Roundup: 2 LGBT Vets Groups Support Cutting Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Bill

Knights OUT, the LGBT servicemembers group co-founded by Lt. Dan Choi, and OutServe have released a joint statement saying they would support the National Defense Authorization Bill’s passage without the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal bill attached. Via Politico:

“On behalf of the more than 1,000 active duty gay and lesbian service members and 500 gay and lesbian veterans we represent, we respectfully urge Congress to pass the FY 2011 National Defense Authorization Act to fund the aircraft, weapons, combat vehicles, ammunition and promised pay-raises for all troops, whether or not the repeal of don’t ask, don’t tell is included,” the statement will say. “To be clear, we will continue to fight for our integrity as gay and lesbian service members and we hope that legislative action in Congress can be taken in 2010 to lift the ban.”

Pam’s House Blend calls it a “bombshell.”

Joe.My.God. calls it “bizarre.”

Towleroad calls it a “shock,” and says, “I don’t get it.”

Robin McGehee, cofounder of GetEQUAL says, “SICKENING 4 those THEY CLAIM 2 SERVE.”

I think it’s simple — once again, LGBT veterans are placing country and self-sacrifice over personal interests. They hold themselves to a higher standard than the military or our elected leaders hold themselves.

John McCain should be on his knees, shaking, convulsing, in awe of them.

Here’s the full statement from the two groups:

“There is nothing more important than loyalty to those with whom we serve. This means ensuring that no one issue interferes with funding the courageous and selfless work our fellow service members are doing around the world. Therefore, on behalf of the more than 1,000 active duty gay and lesbian service members and 500 gay and lesbian veterans we represent, we respectfully urge Congress to pass the FY 2011 National Defense Authorization Act to fund the aircraft, weapons, combat vehicles, ammunition and promised pay-raises for all troops, whether or not the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” is included.”

“To be clear, we will continue to fight for our integrity as gay and lesbian service members and we hope that legislative action in Congress can be taken in 2010 to lift the ban. With the support of President Obama, Chairman Mullen, Secretary Gates and the reported seventy-percent of service members surveyed, a new day of openly gay service is at hand if Congress acts during this lame duck session. We are proud to serve in the United States Armed Forces today and tomorrow.”