Marie Panec Decries Gallegly’s DADT Vote

Statement by Marie Panec, Democratic candidate for California’s congressional district 24, on Rep. Elton Gallegly’s vote in the House of Representative regarding “Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell” legislation.

Oak Park, CA - The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” legislation was passed almost a generation ago, at a time when it became clear that the right to serve in the military was being denied some citizens. It was a compromise between the civil rights of some individuals and principles that the military advocated. However, it has become apparent that a policy that orders people to lie about who they are is doomed to failure. Ultimately it does not stand the test of justice and equality for all - principles that our country is founded upon.

Elton Gallegly's "No" vote last night flies in the face of those principles. He would have us perpetuate institutionalized discrimination, as if nothing has changed in attitudes and circumstances surrounding the American public's awareness and acceptance of sexual orientation since 1993. Mr. Gallegly ignores the fact that on average 78% of those interviewed who served in Afghanistan and Iraq think that gay men and women ought to be allowed the right to openly serve in the military.

Despite Elton Gallegly and most of his Republican colleagues, the repeal of this legislation will allow the Pentagon to authoritatively, as General John Shalikashvili, Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has said, "have the maneuvering room... to end discrimination and maximize military readiness."