DADT: Gays applaud end of Don't Ask Don't Tell

Release Date

09/19/2011

Source

Tampa, Florida -- The executive director for Equality Florida says legalized discrimination has fallen with the end of the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy.

"It's huge not just for the gay community but for Americans," said Nadine Smith.

"This is a quantum leap forward in ending discrimination by the largest employer in the country and I think it really speaks to where we are now as a country."

The policy had been in place since 1993, but ended at 12:01 a.m. EDT Tuesday. The policy prevented those serving in the military from revealing their sexual orientation.

During the 18 years the policy was on the books, more than 13,000 people were dishonorably discharged from the military for breaking it. But those service members will now be allowed to re-enlist.

"I think there's a lot of people that the military has lost because of the policy of discrimination so it's a huge day to celebrate, that institutionalized, legalized discrimination has fallen."

DADT: Gays applaud end of Don't Ask Don't Tell

In the News

Broward County judge delivers third win for marriage equality in Florida -

Florida Gay Marriage Ban Declared Unconstitutional In Fourth Ruling -

Miami judge finds Florida same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional -

LGBT-rights group Equality Florida raises profile, builds clout as judges strike gay-marriage ban -

Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith shares 'front-row seat to history' at Obama signing -

Keys men who won marriage case ask appeals court to send case to Florida Supreme Court -

Cape Coral considers domestic partnership registry -

Miami court rules in favor of gay marriage -

Florida Same-Sex Marriage Ban Is Unconstitutional, Judge Rules -

Couples Deliver Petitions Asking Florida AG To Drop Gay Marriage Opposition -

Same-Sex Couples Deliver Petitions to Pam Bondi's Office -

http://www.watermarkonline.com/2014/07/24/7000-petitions-delivered-to-pam-bondi-in-support-of-marriage-equality/ -

Gay Marriage Ruling -

First Coast LGBT groups celebrate marriage ruling -

Judge declares Florida's ban on gay marriage unconstitutional -

Same-sex Couples Hope for End to Marriage Ban -

Gay Florida Couple In Limbo After Winning Right To Marry -

Orlando residents celebrate Fla. Keys' same-sex marriage ruling despite AG appeal -

Marriage Equality News(Spanish) -

Vanessa And Melanie's Story From The Let Love Define Family Series -