Last night the New York State Young Democrats Executive Committee approved the following resolution….
Sponsored by the New York State Young Democrats
WHEREAS, Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans have served and continue to serve honorably in the United States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, the Armed Forces are weakened when competent and qualified individuals are involuntarily discharged solely due to their sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS, the National Defense Authorization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-160) created the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy; and
WHEREAS, under the restrictions of the current policy, an average of two service members are discharged from the military every day simply due to their sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS, over 13,000 service members – the equivalent of 3 ½ combat brigades – have been discharged as a result of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell;” and
WHEREAS, in the last five years, while our country has been engaged in two wars, the military has discharged over 800 mission critical troops under of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” including over 50 Arabic linguists; and
WHEREAS, up to $1.3 billion in taxpayer money has been wasted discharging otherwise qualified troops under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell;” and
WHEREAS, it costs the military at least $60,000 to recruit and train each new service member, and much more to prosecute and pursue separations under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell;”
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York State Young Democrats hereby supports H.R. 1283, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
