HRC Back Story

In conjunction with the 14th anniversary of the signing of the military policy banning gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, the Human Rights Campaign has asked the leading Democratic candidates for President to respond to the question, “If you are elected President, what concrete steps would you take to overturn ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?’” Starting Monday, November 26th and ending on Saturday, December 1, one statement from the Democratic presidential candidates will be posted each day on Back Story.

Former Senator John Edwards (D-NC) started the week off on Monday with his statement against Don't Ask, Don't Tell: John Edwards says "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was "always wrong"

On Tuesday, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) pledged to meet with the Joint Chiefs of Staff to hash out how to end Don't Ask Don't Tell within 6 months: Sen. Chris Dodd: "Repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is an idea whose time has come"

Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) reminded us that other countries have allowed gays and lesbians to serve openly without sacrificing troop morale in his statement on Wednesday: Senator Joe Biden calls the military's ban against openly gay and lesbian service members "ridiculous and totally irrational"

On Thursday, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) outlined his plans for ending Don't Ask Don't Tell and reinstating those separated from the military due to this policy:  Senator Barack Obama pledges to end Don't Ask Don't Tell - and to help reinstate gays and lesbians kicked out of the military due to this policy

Today's statement comes from Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY):

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“If you are elected President, what concrete steps would you take to overturn ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?' ”

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY):

I strongly believe that anyone who has the courage, strength, and valor to serve our country should be able to do so. We are at war and our top generals are warning that America’s military is stretched to the breaking point, yet we have a policy that dismisses good people from our ranks. Even service members with critical skills such as Arabic language skills are being discharged because they are gay. Senior retired military officials who can speak freely say this law does not serve our national security interests. These same military leaders are confident that repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell won't lessen standards of behavior or lower morale.

As President, I will work with high-profile military leaders, such as former Joint Chiefs chairman John M. Shalikashvili and Retired Lieutenant General Claudia Kennedy, the first woman to achieve the rank of three-star general in the Army, who have called for repeal of the law. I will stand with soldiers like retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva, the first American soldier to be seriously wounded in Iraq, and retired Army Sgt. Jose Zuniga, former Army Soldier of the Year, who are shining examples of why this law no longer makes sense.

Over the last seven years in the Senate, and as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I have built relationships with members of Congress and senior military officials through my work on the Armed Services Committee. When I am President, I will bring this strength and experience to bear to end this outdated and outmoded policy.