News Release - December 18, 2010
Margie M. Palmer, Media Relations Coordinator
858-225-8700, ext. 5002
ESF Statement on the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
SAN DIEGO, CA — Today is a momentous day for the LGBT community and for all who value equality, because today, the U.S. joins 23 other nations who do not tolerate discrimination against LGBT service members within military ranks.
The repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is just one step to setting this country on a path to full equality for all.
Since the policy was enacted in 1993, approximately 14,000 skilled men and women dedicated to protecting our country have been discharged, not for poor performance, but because of who they are.
The repeal of DADT helps bring this country closer to the ideals our country's founding fathers laid out in the Declaration of Independence. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." The line is simple, yet powerful.
As we confront the many challenges that currently impact this country we must realize our struggle is not about a single class in society, but society altogether - the unity of America. Diversity and individuality are qualities that enrich this country.
Differing sides may not always agree, but only through social dialogue and shared sacrifices will humanity progress, and only then can we overcome any obstacle.
About the Empowering Spirits Foundation, Inc.
The Empowering Spirits Foundation, Inc. (ESF), a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, is a non-partisan civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality through community service activities. Since its inception ESF has been taking the struggle for LGBT equality into the next era by fostering non-confrontational dialogue with individuals and institutions that may have not previously supported LGBT populations. Instead of attempting to change laws ESF strives to change the hearts and minds of those who are generally ignored by existing LGBT organizations.
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