(Washington, DC) – Log Cabin Republicans applaud the re-introduction of legislation to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.  The Military Readiness Enhancement Act, re-introduced by Congressman Marty Meehan (D-MA), has three Republican co-sponsors—Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD), Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT). 

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is weakening our national security,” said Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon.  “Committed military personnel with valuable skills are being dismissed simply because they are gay or lesbian.  As our troops bravely fight on the front lines of the war on terror, we need the most qualified and competent service members, regardless of their sexual orientation.”

There is growing support among Republicans and all Americans for repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.  Republican former Defense Secretary and former Senator William Cohen (R-ME) recently joined a growing number of leaders calling for a review of the policy.  “I think the policy is changing from within because it’s reflecting changes within society itself,” he said.  Cohen’s comments came on the heels of an op-ed from former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman John Shalikashvili calling for an end to the discriminatory policy. 

Polls show the American public and service members support ending the ban.  A 2006 Zogby Poll, commissioned by the Michael D. Palm Center, found that nearly 4 out of 5 service members say they feel comfortable around gays and lesbians. 

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has cost hundreds of millions of dollars to enforce.  More importantly, it has cost us the valuable service of tens of thousands of highly skilled men and women,” said Sammon.  Log Cabin looks forward to working with Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and other organizations to gain support for the critical legislation to repeal this ban.”