CARSON APPLAUDS SIGNING OF DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL REPEAL

INDIANAPOLIS - Congressman André Carson released the following statement today on President Barack Obama signing into law the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy, which had banned gays and lesbians from serving openly in uniform:

"Though long overdue, today is a historic moment for civil rights in our nation. Don't Ask, Don't Tell has removed thousands of qualified troops from service and forced patriotic Americans to lie about who they are in order to continue serving their country.

"The personal conflict that Don't Ask, Don't Tell caused for many brave men and women in our military was inexcusable and compromised the integrity of our armed services. And by forcing out of service some of our most talented and patriotic military personnel, this flawed policy did nothing to protect Americans or advance security. I am proud to have fought to end this fundamental unfairness, and I encourage the Department of Defense to move as quickly and smoothly as possible to implement the repeal."

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