President Obama:
"Today, the Senate has taken an historic step toward ending a policy that undermines our national security while violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend. By ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," no longer will our nation be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans forced to leave the military, despite years of exemplary performance, because they happen to be gay. And no longer will many thousands more be asked to live a lie in order to serve the country they love.
"As Commander-in-Chief, I am also absolutely convinced that making this change will only underscore the professionalism of our troops as the best led and best trained fighting force the world has ever known. And I join the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the overwhelming majority of service members asked by the Pentagon, in knowing that we can responsibly transition to a new policy while ensuring our military strength and readiness.
"I want to thank Majority Leader Reid, Senators Lieberman and Collins and the countless others who have worked so hard to get this done. It is time to close this chapter in our history. It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gender, religion or creed. It is time to allow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their country openly. I urge the Senate to send this bill to my desk so that I can sign it into law."
Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.):
"We are on the verge of ending 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' for good. This is one of those moments in our history when we stepped up and squared our policies with the values this nation was founded upon. I applaud those Republicans who have joined us to repeal this policy, and hope that even more will join us on the right side of history when we complete our work, and end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'
"I have supported repealing this policy for many years. The Defense Department has asked Congress to promptly repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' to prevent the policy from bouncing around in the courts. Throughout its history, our military has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to change, and our military leaders have advised us that this change is both important and necessary.
"I commend the leadership of Chairman Levin, Senator Lieberman, Senator Collins and others, whose tireless efforts to repeal this policy have helped to make this day possible."
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council:
"Today is a tragic day for our armed forces. The American military exists for only one purpose - to fight and win wars. Yet it has now been hijacked and turned into a tool for imposing on the country a radical social agenda. This may advance the cause of reshaping social attitudes regarding human sexuality, but it will only do harm to the military's ability to fulfill its mission.
"It is shameful that the Democratic leadership, aided by Republican Senators, has forced through such a radical change in a lame-duck session of Congress. The 1993 law which is to be repealed was adopted only after months of debate and at least a dozen Congressional hearings. The repeal has been forced through only eighteen days after the Pentagon released a massive report, which raised more questions than it answered on the impact the overturning of this policy will have on our nation's military.
"It is clear why this was done: not to enhance the military's ability to accomplish its mission or to enhance national security. Rather, it is a political payoff to a tiny, but loud and wealthy, part of the Democratic base. They knew that the Congress elected last month would never adopt such legislation - certainly not without a more thoughtful and deliberative process.
"We thank Senators John McCain, James Inhofe, Jeff Sessions and Jim DeMint, as well as all of those who voted to support our troops over advancing a liberal social agenda. These senators fought hard for our men and women in uniform, and their efforts will not be forgotten."
Joe Solomonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign:
"Today, America lived up to its highest ideals of freedom and equality. Congress recognized that all men and women have the right to openly serve their country. Plenty of people had already planned the funeral for this legislation. Today, we pulled out a victory from what was almost certain defeat just a few days ago. We are grateful to President Obama, Majority Leader Reid and Sens. Lieberman, Collins and countless others for their dogged determination to repeal DADT."
Servicemembers United Executive Director Alexander Nicholson:
"This vote represents an historic step forward for this country, and it will very likely be a life-changing moment for gay and lesbian troops.
"While we still have a long road ahead, including a final passage vote, the certification process, and a yet-to-be-determined implementation period, those who defend our freedom while living in fear for their careers will finally breathe a sigh of relief tonight, and those who have fallen victim to this policy in years past will finally begin to see true closure and redemption on the horizon."
Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy:
"I am thrilled that we are on the verge of repealing the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy. As I have asserted from the start of this debate, repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' will not have an impact, let alone a negative impact, on the religious and individual freedoms of the men and women in our armed forces or the chaplains who serve them. I am pleased that Members of Congress have shown a surprisingly strong interest in religious freedom and individual rights for all people. Thankfully, our representatives recognized these liberties will not be adversely affected by the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and refused to allow a small, but vocal, minority's deceptive arguments to the contrary to sway their vote on this critical issue.
"I look forward to seeing President Obama sign this legislation and to the military finally taking steps to allow all Americans to serve their country openly and with integrity regarding their identity. Repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is a step forward in equality and justice for all Americans."
Palm Center Director Aaron Belkin:
"When President Obama signs repeal legislation, he will pave the way for the U.S. to join its NATO allies in allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly. It has long been clear that there is no evidence that lifting the ban will undermine the military, and no reason to fear the transition to inclusive policy.
"Research shows that moving quickly is one of the keys to a successful transition. If the President and military leadership quickly certify the end of 'don't ask, don't tell,' they will ensure an orderly transition with minimal disruption."
OutServe Co-Director "J.D. Smith":
"Today's vote by the Senate is a step forward for America. Today our military is stronger, our nation is stronger, and we are closer than ever to the day when our integrity will no longer be compromised. The vote to proceed to cloture on the repeal of the law barring honest military service by lesbian and gay soldiers is a victory for the thousands of lesbian and gay troops currently serving and a tribute to lesbian and gay veterans and those who have lost their lives defending our country.
"OutServe looks forward to the day that repeal of this law is signed by our Commander in Chief and we can all begin to serve openly and honestly. We will remove the cloud that hangs over our gay and lesbian troops and live in a world where constantly worrying about losing everything we work and live for could be in jeopardy will finally end. As we await the implementation of repeal, expected to happen over the next year, OutServe is sensitive to the needs of our active duty troops and will remain a partner in making that transition smooth. There will come a moment when it will finally be completely safe to 'come out' and OutServe will be there to support the troops - gay and straight - when that day comes, hopefully soon.
"There are so many people and organizations to whom OutServe is grateful as we celebrate being one step closer to equality. We won today's vote because of the leadership of President Obama and our military leaders that have advocated for repeal. Our deepest thanks go to all of the organizations and individuals who have worked tirelessly for nearly 20 years. And our deepest thanks and admiration go to the troops discharged under DADT and proud veterans who sacrificed so much to educate the public and affect change at the policy level."
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