Joe Biden honors 10th anniversary of repeal of ban on gay servicemembers

President Barack Obama signs the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, at the Interior Department in Washington. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

President Joe Biden honored activists and service members who worked tirelessly to repeal the discriminatory “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy that prevented gay, lesbian, and bisexual people from serving openly in the military.

The law, passed by Congress under former President Bill Clinton, was repealed 10 years ago today under former President Barack Obama. Biden voted against it as a Senator and championed the push for repeal on behalf of the administration.

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“Ten years ago today, a great injustice was remedied and a tremendous weight was finally lifted off the shoulders of tens of thousands of dedicated American service members,” Biden said in a prepared statement. “The repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, which formally barred gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members from openly serving, helped move our nation closer to its foundational promise of equality, dignity, and opportunity for all.”

“It was the right thing to do. And, it showed once again that America is at its best when we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.”

“On this day and every day, I am thankful for all of the LGBTQ+ service members and veterans who strengthen our military and our nation,” he continued. “We must honor their sacrifice by continuing the fight for full equality for LGBTQ+ people, including by finally passing the Equality Act and living up to our highest values of justice and equality for all.”

Biden noted that over 100,000 LGBT service members were…

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