Murray Statement on Release of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Report

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray
(D-WA) released the following statement following the release of the military’s
report on the potential effects of a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy change.

“This report gives us
just one more reason among many to finally repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ We
have heard the stories of the lives this policy has ruined, we have heard from
top-ranking military officials that it simply doesn’t work, and now we have
heard from servicemembers that they too want it to change.

“For far too long, too
many with the courage and commitment to serve our nation have been asked to
hide the truth about who they are as individuals. It’s a policy that has failed
in its intended goals and done a tremendous disservice to men and women who
want nothing more than to defend their country and the freedoms America stands
for. 

“I am glad that the
military has released this report. And I urge my colleagues in the Senate to
stand with me as we continue to work to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’”