Human Rights Campaign Weekly Message

From HRC:

Nine years ago tomorrow, terrorists attacked our country, taking thousands of lives. Our hearts go out to everyone who lost friends or family on that terrible day.




Seventy-five percent of Americans support repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell. " One by one, military leaders have announced that they agree. The House has voted in favor of repeal. So has the Senate Armed Services Committee. This brings us closer than ever to repealing this discriminatory law, but we can't let ourselves or our friends think for a moment that repeal is a foregone conclusion. The Senate still must vote to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." That is not just one last link in the chain of events leading to victory; it is the most important step to get the bill to the president's desk. Without the Senate taking action, the bill dies.



We have always known that the Senate vote would be the highest hurdle. We cannot expect the vote to happen without pressure from us—nor can we fail to press all 100 senators to vote with us. With the elections just seven weeks away, we have a small window during which to get repeal through the Senate. The Senate has a four-week session before they leave for elections – senators need to know that they must push for repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" before the election. It's critical that you call both of your senators and push them to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" now.



You may have heard that a federal district court judge in California ruled "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" unconstitutional last night. While this is a landmark ruling, it may face a long and rigorous appeals process. In the meantime, we are in a position now for Congress to once and for all put an end to this discriminatory law.



Making the calls is easy. Follow this link to learn how to contact your two senators and for a sample script for your phone call. The message is simple: repeal is the right thing to do, and now is the time. Once you've made your calls, engage every fair-minded person you know to do the same.



This is the time. After 17 years of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," it comes down to now: four weeks to close the door on 17 years. It's time that we'll never get back. We must spend it relentlessly pushing all 100 senators for repeal.







Joe Solmonese

President, Human Rights Campaign



P.S. This week also marks the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. A happy and a healthy new year, l'shana tova, to those who are celebrating. Muslims are observing the holiday of Eid ul Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan. We wish a peaceful and meaningful holiday to all. The holiday is unfortunately coinciding with an upsurge of hate and threats of violence against Muslims in our country. We condemn hate violence and stand with all communities who are threatened by it.