Supreme Court Hears Arguments in DOMA Case, Harm to Military Among Key Arguments
(WASHINGTON DC) Oral arguments have concluded in the case of U.S. v. Windsor, heard today in the U.S. Supreme Court, and the harm done to service members and their families by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was among reasons cited by attorneys for the petitioners that the Court should strike down the discriminatory law. In fact, it was the opening example cited by the Solicitor General when describing the harm DOMA does to gay and lesbian married couples. To read the full transcript, including references to members of the armed forces beginning on page 80, click here. To listen to audio, click here.
"Gay and lesbian service members and their families are clearly being denied the equal protection under the law that the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution demands – and that discrimination is hurting our country,” said Allyson Robinson, an Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director. “The stories of military families are among the most compelling examples of how DOMA wreaks havoc on American lives and actually compromises our national security. It’s unconscionable that any American would be asked to risk his or her life to defend this nation and then be treated as a second-class citizen by the military.”
In an exclusive interview with MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts today, the real life example of Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan, who died following a battle with cancer as she and her family were fighting DOMA in court, was brought to light by her widow, Karen Morgan. The surviving spouse, though legally married in the State of New Hampshire, is denied key survivor benefits due to DOMA. To see the complete interview, click here.
The Morgans are plaintiffs in a lawsuit brought in October 2011, McLaughlin v. Panetta, challenging DOMA on behalf of eight gay and lesbian military families. Lead plaintiff in the case, Casey McLaughlin, addressed yesterday’s United For Marriage Rally on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. To view her remarks, click here.
The McLaughlin case is stayed in the U.S. First Circuit pending the outcome of ongoing Supreme Court consideration in the Windsor Case.
About OutServe-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
DOMA harm to military in spotlight at Supreme Court Rally
Robinson, McLaughlin Detail DOMA Harm to Military Families at Supreme Court Rally
“Nothing about DOMA defends America or its values,” says Robinson
(WASHINGTON, DC) Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Allyson Robinson was joined on stage in front of the U.S. Supreme Court today by Army wife Casey McLaughlin, as the two detailed harms done to LGBT military families by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. Speaking to a crowd gathered in support of the freedom to marry as the Court hears argument in two cases that could pave the way for equality, Robinson and McLaughlin called on the Court to remedy the discrimination that has created two classes of service members in the nation’s military.
“Despite the fact that they, along with their husbands, wives, partners, and children, are making the same sacrifices, enduring the same difficulties, taking the same risks as their straight counterparts, the United States of America is treating them like second class citizens. The fact is, nothing about DOMA ‘defends’ America or its values. All DOMA does is make us weaker,” said Robinson.
McLaughlin, who is a lead plaintiff in OutServe-SLDN’s landmark legal challenge on behalf of gay and lesbian military families, spoke about how the denial of recognition and support impact her family.
“I am a stay-at-home Mom raising our two-year old twins and this wouldn't be unusual if we were straight—many couples operate on one income and have a family plan for health insurance. But despite being legally married in the state of Massachusetts, I am excluded from the family health care plan. In fact, despite being wife and mother, I am technically a legal stranger to my spouse because of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act,” she said. McLaughlin and her spouse, Army Major Shannon McLaughlin of the Massachusetts National Guard, are forced to pay for a separate - and very expensive - health care plan to cover Casey.
To watch a video about the McLaughlin family's struggle with DOMA, click here.
McLaughlin also told rally attendees that if something were to happen to her spouse, she would not receive the same survivor benefits as other military families, a fact borne out by the recent death of a co-plaintiff in the case, CW2 Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard. She passed away in February following a battle with breast cancer, leaving her wife Karen without the same protections and recognition as all other military families.
“Like any other soldier, if Shannon gets called into a war zone, she has to go, often with little notice. And like any other military family, the kids and I get left behind to manage without her. Yet, unlike any other soldier, Shannon doesn’t get the comfort of knowing that if something happens to her, we’ll be taken care of—that the benefits that she has earned for nearly 15 years would go to her family,” said McLaughlin.
Robinson said it’s time for the Supreme Court to act, where the Congress has failed to do so.
“America knows better. America knows this is no way to treat the ones who defend our freedom, our Constitution. America knows there is no honor in treating their families this way, only shame. America knows it’s not enough just to say, ‘All men are created equal.’ America yearns to live up to that great promise, to put it into action. America knows better,” said Robinson.
About OutServe-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
“Nothing about DOMA defends America or its values,” says Robinson
(WASHINGTON, DC) Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Allyson Robinson was joined on stage in front of the U.S. Supreme Court today by Army wife Casey McLaughlin, as the two detailed harms done to LGBT military families by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. Speaking to a crowd gathered in support of the freedom to marry as the Court hears argument in two cases that could pave the way for equality, Robinson and McLaughlin called on the Court to remedy the discrimination that has created two classes of service members in the nation’s military.
“Despite the fact that they, along with their husbands, wives, partners, and children, are making the same sacrifices, enduring the same difficulties, taking the same risks as their straight counterparts, the United States of America is treating them like second class citizens. The fact is, nothing about DOMA ‘defends’ America or its values. All DOMA does is make us weaker,” said Robinson.
McLaughlin, who is a lead plaintiff in OutServe-SLDN’s landmark legal challenge on behalf of gay and lesbian military families, spoke about how the denial of recognition and support impact her family.
“I am a stay-at-home Mom raising our two-year old twins and this wouldn't be unusual if we were straight—many couples operate on one income and have a family plan for health insurance. But despite being legally married in the state of Massachusetts, I am excluded from the family health care plan. In fact, despite being wife and mother, I am technically a legal stranger to my spouse because of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act,” she said. McLaughlin and her spouse, Army Major Shannon McLaughlin of the Massachusetts National Guard, are forced to pay for a separate - and very expensive - health care plan to cover Casey.
To watch a video about the McLaughlin family's struggle with DOMA, click here.
McLaughlin also told rally attendees that if something were to happen to her spouse, she would not receive the same survivor benefits as other military families, a fact borne out by the recent death of a co-plaintiff in the case, CW2 Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard. She passed away in February following a battle with breast cancer, leaving her wife Karen without the same protections and recognition as all other military families.
“Like any other soldier, if Shannon gets called into a war zone, she has to go, often with little notice. And like any other military family, the kids and I get left behind to manage without her. Yet, unlike any other soldier, Shannon doesn’t get the comfort of knowing that if something happens to her, we’ll be taken care of—that the benefits that she has earned for nearly 15 years would go to her family,” said McLaughlin.
Robinson said it’s time for the Supreme Court to act, where the Congress has failed to do so.
“America knows better. America knows this is no way to treat the ones who defend our freedom, our Constitution. America knows there is no honor in treating their families this way, only shame. America knows it’s not enough just to say, ‘All men are created equal.’ America yearns to live up to that great promise, to put it into action. America knows better,” said Robinson.
About OutServe-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Robinson Calls on Navy to Honor Virginia Military Family
Robinson calls on Navy to Honor Service of Military Family in Virginia Denied Recognition
DOMA must go, says OutServe-SLDN leader
(WASHINGTON, DC) Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson today called on the Department of Navy to intervene in the case of a same-sex military spouse denied appropriate honor and recognition at the retirement ceremony of her wife due to the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As first reported on WKTR television in Norfolk, VA, Navy SH1 Melissa Smith is retiring next month and has requested that her legal spouse, T.J. Jenkins, receive a customary Certificate of Appreciation and other appropriate honors from the Commanding Officer. The Commander has denied that request, citing DOMA, though other same-sex military families in the Navy have been recognized in that way – even as late as six weeks ago.
“There is an inconsistency here that the Navy must address immediately for this family, but the real enemy is the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. As long as DOMA is on the books, commanders will be forced to discriminate, despite the fact that our Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of Defense have made it clear that America’s LGBT service members and their families deserve to be treated fairly. Our expectation is that SH1 Smith’s – and every commander of American troops – will do everything possible under the law to honor the service and sacrifice of LGBT military families, and OutServe-SLDN is working directly with the Department of the Navy to ensure that happens here,” said Robinson.
“To be a second class citizen is just like me sitting in the back of the bus,” Jenkins told WKTR-TV. “It was like a slap in the face.”
“This is yet another example of just how far-reaching – and how petty – this law can be. The Supreme Court must stand with this family – and with all military families – to ensure they are treated equally,” said Robinson.
This incident comes just days before the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two cases involving the freedom to marry, one specifically related to the constitutionality of DOMA.Robinson will speak at a rally on Tuesday calling on the Court to strike down the discriminatory law.
About OutServe-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
DOMA must go, says OutServe-SLDN leader
(WASHINGTON, DC) Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson today called on the Department of Navy to intervene in the case of a same-sex military spouse denied appropriate honor and recognition at the retirement ceremony of her wife due to the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As first reported on WKTR television in Norfolk, VA, Navy SH1 Melissa Smith is retiring next month and has requested that her legal spouse, T.J. Jenkins, receive a customary Certificate of Appreciation and other appropriate honors from the Commanding Officer. The Commander has denied that request, citing DOMA, though other same-sex military families in the Navy have been recognized in that way – even as late as six weeks ago.
“There is an inconsistency here that the Navy must address immediately for this family, but the real enemy is the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. As long as DOMA is on the books, commanders will be forced to discriminate, despite the fact that our Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of Defense have made it clear that America’s LGBT service members and their families deserve to be treated fairly. Our expectation is that SH1 Smith’s – and every commander of American troops – will do everything possible under the law to honor the service and sacrifice of LGBT military families, and OutServe-SLDN is working directly with the Department of the Navy to ensure that happens here,” said Robinson.
“To be a second class citizen is just like me sitting in the back of the bus,” Jenkins told WKTR-TV. “It was like a slap in the face.”
“This is yet another example of just how far-reaching – and how petty – this law can be. The Supreme Court must stand with this family – and with all military families – to ensure they are treated equally,” said Robinson.
This incident comes just days before the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two cases involving the freedom to marry, one specifically related to the constitutionality of DOMA.Robinson will speak at a rally on Tuesday calling on the Court to strike down the discriminatory law.
About OutServe-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
LGBT Military Equality Set to Take Stage at Supreme Court Rally
OutServe-SLDN’s Allyson Robinson Among Headline Speakers at Supreme Court Rally Set for Tuesday
Will appear alongside Casey McLaughlin, lead plaintiff in federal court DOMA challenge by LGBT service members, veterans, and their families
(WASHINGTON DC) A gathering to support marriage equality in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, March 26, will feature Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson, who will appear alongside Casey McLaughlin, lead plaintiff in the case,McLaughlin v. Panetta, a challenge to the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) brought by OutServe-SLDN on behalf of LGBT service members, veterans, and their families. The event, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. EDT, will include families, political leaders, and iconic civil rights and religious leaders, as well.
“I am proud to stand up for marriage next Tuesday on behalf of our nation’s LGBT military families. The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ was the beginning of our fight for full equality, not the end, and the clear next step is for the Supreme Court to strike down the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. DOMA discriminates against our men and women in uniform, who serve and sacrifice equally but are still treated as second-class citizens by the nation they serve,” said Robinson.
“This is not just about fairness and equality; it’s also a national security issue. In order for service members to do their jobs effectively, they need to know that their families are being taken care of. Gay and lesbian troops can take no such comfort – DOMA says their families must fend for themselves,” said Robinson.
The event takes place at U.S. Supreme Court Plaza, located at First and East Capitol Streets NE in Washington, DC.
Other confirmed speakers include:
Brendon Ayanbadejo, Super Bowl champion and Baltimore Ravens linebacker
Wade Henderson, President, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
The Very Rev. Gary Hall, Dean of Washington National Cathedral
Margaret Hoover, GOP strategist and political commentator
Nelda Majors and Karen Bailey, Phoenix couple together for more than 50 years
David Frum, GOP strategist and former speechwriter for President George W. Bush; political commentator
Craig Stowell and his wife, Berta, Former Marine and conservative Republican
Andy McNeil and Todd Bludworth, Fathers to twin boy and girl
Janet Murguía, President, National Council of La Raza
Brent Wilkes, National Executive Director, League of United Latin American Citizens
Rev. Al Sharpton, civil rights activist and host of MSNBC’s ‘PoliticsNation’
LZ Granderson, CNN and ESPN commentator
Lt. Col. Linda Campbell, who was granted the first same-sex spousal burial in a U.S. national cemetery for her partner
Bishop Gene Robinson and his daughter, Ella Robinson
The event, sponsored by the United Marriage Coalition, is taking place as the Supreme Court considers two cases that are about whether gay and lesbian Americans should have the same freedoms as everyone else. Recent polling shows support for marriage equality at an all-time high – an ABC News/Washington Post poll shows support at 58 percent, while a survey from Grove Research shows that 75 percent of Americans believe the ability to marry the person you love is a Constitutional right.
About OutServe-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
About United for Marriage Coalition: The United for Marriage Coalition is a group of LGBT and allied organizations working to elevate the broad support for marriage equality through events in Washington, DC and across the country in advance of the Supreme Court rulings on two marriage cases. Groups leading the United for Marriage efforts include OutServe-SLDN, Family Equality Council, GetEQUAL, GLAAD, Good As You, Human Rights Campaign, Marriage Equality USA, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and the New Organizing Institute.
Will appear alongside Casey McLaughlin, lead plaintiff in federal court DOMA challenge by LGBT service members, veterans, and their families
(WASHINGTON DC) A gathering to support marriage equality in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, March 26, will feature Army Veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson, who will appear alongside Casey McLaughlin, lead plaintiff in the case,McLaughlin v. Panetta, a challenge to the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) brought by OutServe-SLDN on behalf of LGBT service members, veterans, and their families. The event, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. EDT, will include families, political leaders, and iconic civil rights and religious leaders, as well.
“I am proud to stand up for marriage next Tuesday on behalf of our nation’s LGBT military families. The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ was the beginning of our fight for full equality, not the end, and the clear next step is for the Supreme Court to strike down the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. DOMA discriminates against our men and women in uniform, who serve and sacrifice equally but are still treated as second-class citizens by the nation they serve,” said Robinson.
“This is not just about fairness and equality; it’s also a national security issue. In order for service members to do their jobs effectively, they need to know that their families are being taken care of. Gay and lesbian troops can take no such comfort – DOMA says their families must fend for themselves,” said Robinson.
The event takes place at U.S. Supreme Court Plaza, located at First and East Capitol Streets NE in Washington, DC.
Other confirmed speakers include:
Brendon Ayanbadejo, Super Bowl champion and Baltimore Ravens linebacker
Wade Henderson, President, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
The Very Rev. Gary Hall, Dean of Washington National Cathedral
Margaret Hoover, GOP strategist and political commentator
Nelda Majors and Karen Bailey, Phoenix couple together for more than 50 years
David Frum, GOP strategist and former speechwriter for President George W. Bush; political commentator
Craig Stowell and his wife, Berta, Former Marine and conservative Republican
Andy McNeil and Todd Bludworth, Fathers to twin boy and girl
Janet Murguía, President, National Council of La Raza
Brent Wilkes, National Executive Director, League of United Latin American Citizens
Rev. Al Sharpton, civil rights activist and host of MSNBC’s ‘PoliticsNation’
LZ Granderson, CNN and ESPN commentator
Lt. Col. Linda Campbell, who was granted the first same-sex spousal burial in a U.S. national cemetery for her partner
Bishop Gene Robinson and his daughter, Ella Robinson
The event, sponsored by the United Marriage Coalition, is taking place as the Supreme Court considers two cases that are about whether gay and lesbian Americans should have the same freedoms as everyone else. Recent polling shows support for marriage equality at an all-time high – an ABC News/Washington Post poll shows support at 58 percent, while a survey from Grove Research shows that 75 percent of Americans believe the ability to marry the person you love is a Constitutional right.
About OutServe-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
About United for Marriage Coalition: The United for Marriage Coalition is a group of LGBT and allied organizations working to elevate the broad support for marriage equality through events in Washington, DC and across the country in advance of the Supreme Court rulings on two marriage cases. Groups leading the United for Marriage efforts include OutServe-SLDN, Family Equality Council, GetEQUAL, GLAAD, Good As You, Human Rights Campaign, Marriage Equality USA, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and the New Organizing Institute.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Settlement Announced in DADT Discharge Case
OutServe-SLDN Reaches Final Legal Resolution for former Air Force Major Mike Almy
Discharged under DADT, plaintiff in Almy v. U.S. reaches settlement with Department of Defense
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) OutServe-SLDN and the law firm Morrison & Foerster today announced that their client, former Air Force Major Mike Almy, has reached a settlement in his lawsuit against the Defense Department that challenged his 2006 discharge under the discriminatory, now-repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) law.
"I appreciate all of those who worked on my behalf to find a resolution and close this painful chapter in my life with a positive ending. America has moved on from this discriminatory law, and it’s my hope that one day soon we will realize the vision of full equality in our military," said Almy.
Almy joined Air Force ROTC in 1988 and was awarded a scholarship. He earned his jump wings in 1991 and graduated from ROTC as a distinguished graduate in the top 10% of all graduates nationwide. In 1993, he went on active duty, just as DADT was becoming a law. Stationed in Oklahoma, he was named officer of the year for his unit of nearly 1,000 service members. Later, he was one of six officers selected from the entire Air force to attend Professional Military Education at Quantico, Virginia.
During his career, he deployed to the Middle East four times. In his last deployment,he led a team of nearly 200 men and women to operate and maintain the systems used to control the air space over Iraq. During a directed search of private emails, messages to his then-boyfriend were were discovered and forwarded to his commander. He was relieved of his duties, his security clearance was suspended, and part of his pay was terminated. Shortly before, he had been named one of the top officers in his career field. During the discharge process he was recommended for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, ahead of his peers. Following a discharge investigation that lasted sixteen months, he was given a police escort off the base and severance pay he received was half of what it would have been had he been separated for any other reason.
Today’s resolution is the final of three in the case, Almy v. U.S. Department of Defense, filed in 2010, which challenged the constitutionality of the three plaintiffs' discharges under DADT and sought their reinstatement to active duty. A resolution was reached in December 2011 on behalf of Petty Officer 2nd Class Jase Daniels, who was reinstated in the U.S. Navy as a linguist. Then in April 2012, a resolution was reached on behalf of Staff Sergeant Tony Loverde, who was reinstated in the Air Force.
“The settlement we announce today is an excellent conclusion to this case,” said Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson. “Mike will receive service credit and a cash payment, and will finally be able to move beyond his discharge under Don't Ask, Don't Tell nearly eight years to the day after he was fired. Moving forward, I know Mike is looking forward to continuing his career in the private sector for a prominent defense contractor, where he continues to contribute to the security of this country. All three of the plaintiffs in this case represent some of the best this country has to offer, and we are pleased that they all have come to resolutions consistent with their goals.”
“I am very pleased with this result, as it will provide some closure to a painful period in Mike’s life that resulted from his discharge under an unconstitutional policy. This nation should honor all brave men and women who serve the United States, especially those like Mike who put themselves in harm’s way to do so. Mike showed great courage in stepping into the sometimes difficult public spotlight in order to help realize the dream of repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. After his discharge he stood up and fought for justice and equal rights. In other words, he lived up to the oath he took when he first joined the Air Force,” said M. Andrew Woodmansee of Morrison & Foerster.
About OutServe-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
Discharged under DADT, plaintiff in Almy v. U.S. reaches settlement with Department of Defense
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) OutServe-SLDN and the law firm Morrison & Foerster today announced that their client, former Air Force Major Mike Almy, has reached a settlement in his lawsuit against the Defense Department that challenged his 2006 discharge under the discriminatory, now-repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) law.
"I appreciate all of those who worked on my behalf to find a resolution and close this painful chapter in my life with a positive ending. America has moved on from this discriminatory law, and it’s my hope that one day soon we will realize the vision of full equality in our military," said Almy.
Almy joined Air Force ROTC in 1988 and was awarded a scholarship. He earned his jump wings in 1991 and graduated from ROTC as a distinguished graduate in the top 10% of all graduates nationwide. In 1993, he went on active duty, just as DADT was becoming a law. Stationed in Oklahoma, he was named officer of the year for his unit of nearly 1,000 service members. Later, he was one of six officers selected from the entire Air force to attend Professional Military Education at Quantico, Virginia.
During his career, he deployed to the Middle East four times. In his last deployment,he led a team of nearly 200 men and women to operate and maintain the systems used to control the air space over Iraq. During a directed search of private emails, messages to his then-boyfriend were were discovered and forwarded to his commander. He was relieved of his duties, his security clearance was suspended, and part of his pay was terminated. Shortly before, he had been named one of the top officers in his career field. During the discharge process he was recommended for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, ahead of his peers. Following a discharge investigation that lasted sixteen months, he was given a police escort off the base and severance pay he received was half of what it would have been had he been separated for any other reason.
Today’s resolution is the final of three in the case, Almy v. U.S. Department of Defense, filed in 2010, which challenged the constitutionality of the three plaintiffs' discharges under DADT and sought their reinstatement to active duty. A resolution was reached in December 2011 on behalf of Petty Officer 2nd Class Jase Daniels, who was reinstated in the U.S. Navy as a linguist. Then in April 2012, a resolution was reached on behalf of Staff Sergeant Tony Loverde, who was reinstated in the Air Force.
“The settlement we announce today is an excellent conclusion to this case,” said Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson. “Mike will receive service credit and a cash payment, and will finally be able to move beyond his discharge under Don't Ask, Don't Tell nearly eight years to the day after he was fired. Moving forward, I know Mike is looking forward to continuing his career in the private sector for a prominent defense contractor, where he continues to contribute to the security of this country. All three of the plaintiffs in this case represent some of the best this country has to offer, and we are pleased that they all have come to resolutions consistent with their goals.”
“I am very pleased with this result, as it will provide some closure to a painful period in Mike’s life that resulted from his discharge under an unconstitutional policy. This nation should honor all brave men and women who serve the United States, especially those like Mike who put themselves in harm’s way to do so. Mike showed great courage in stepping into the sometimes difficult public spotlight in order to help realize the dream of repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. After his discharge he stood up and fought for justice and equal rights. In other words, he lived up to the oath he took when he first joined the Air Force,” said M. Andrew Woodmansee of Morrison & Foerster.
About OutServe-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Military Leaders Urge End to DOMA
Military Officials, Service Members Urge Supreme Court to End DOMA
Discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act Undermines Military Unity and Core Values
(Washington, D.C.) Former Congressman and former U.S. Navy Three-Star Admiral Joe Sestak today joined with Former Congressman, Army Captain and Iraq War Veteran Patrick Murphy, OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson, and Staff Sgt. Tracy Johnson in urging the U.S. Supreme Court to end the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Thirty military officials and OutServe-SLDN, which represents gay and lesbian servicemembers and veterans, each filed an amicus brief in the United States v. Windsor case challenging DOMA being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on March 27.
Read the military and defense officials’ brief here.
Read the OutServe-SLDN brief here.
“As someone who served in the United States Navy for more than 30 years, I believe DOMA undermines military families and, therefore, eventually erodes military readiness,” said former Congressman and former U.S. Navy Three-Star Admiral Joe Sestak. “We have long known that supporting servicemembers’ families affects our military’s effectiveness, as well as our ability to recruit and retain the most talented fighting force in the world. But DOMA prevents the Pentagon from offering equal benefits and protections to same-sex couples and their families. I believe that DOMA is neither correct nor practical for a military force devoted to defending our freedom and equality and, therefore, that it is unconstitutional.”
Although the military has worked to make progress toward equality – namely through former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s recent extension of certain benefits to same-sex couples and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – DOMA still prevents the military from treating same-sex military couples equally. Because DOMA defines marriage for federal purposes as “between one man and one woman,” married same-sex military couples cannot qualify for many protections available to other couples, including health care, housing assistance, primary next of kin status, and survivor benefits.
“The case against DOMA is simple: institutionalized discrimination goes against the very American values that our military force defends every day,” said former Congressman Patrick Murphy. “We hurt our service members—gay and straight—and our nation every moment that this law is not overturned.”
Staff Sgt. Tracy Johnson is believed to be the first same-sex widow in the U.S. military – though she cannot be officially recognized by the federal government as the wife of her late spouse, Staff Sgt. Donna Johnson, who died last year in a suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan. The challenges Johnson has faced in the aftermath of her wife’s death has been amplified by DOMA.
“Although Donna and I were legally married, I was denied the ceremonies, rituals, and spousal survivor’s benefits that usually go to widows because Donna and I are both women,” said Johnson. “This was not because of any military rule discriminating against same-sex couples bravely serving our country; it was because of DOMA. Every military official I spoke to in the aftermath of Donna’s death was caring and compassionate, and regretted they could not treat me the same way they would treat other war widows. I hope that DOMA is overturned so that others will not experience what I did.”
OutServe-SLDN and the Center for American Progress (CAP) recently released a report about the ways in which DOMA discriminates against same-sex married military couples, called,“Collateral Damage: How the Defense of Marriage Act Harms the Troops and Undermines the U.S. Military.” OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson highlighted a few of the benefits and protections that same-sex couples in the military are barred from accessing thanks to DOMA.
“The Defense of Marriage Act prevents the military from honoring its promise to its families by essentially nullifying otherwise legal marriages between service members and spouses of the same gender,” said Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson, echoing arguments made in the organization’s Supreme Court amicus brief filed in United States v. Windsor. “This is more than just an issue of fairness; it’s also an issue of national security. When members of the military put their lives on the line for the security of this nation, they deserve to know their families will be cared for should something happen to them.”
Active-duty service members receive 70 percent of their compensation in allowances and benefits, covering housing, healthcare, employment and education, and honoring families of the fallen, but over 100 of these benefits and protections are not extended to same-sex military families.
###
The Respect for Marriage Coalition is a partnership of more than 100 civil rights, faith, health, labor, business, legal, LGBT, student, and women's organizations working together to end the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and grow support for the freedom to marry. The Coalition is co-chaired by Freedom to Marry and the Human Rights Campaign.
OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
Discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act Undermines Military Unity and Core Values
(Washington, D.C.) Former Congressman and former U.S. Navy Three-Star Admiral Joe Sestak today joined with Former Congressman, Army Captain and Iraq War Veteran Patrick Murphy, OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson, and Staff Sgt. Tracy Johnson in urging the U.S. Supreme Court to end the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Thirty military officials and OutServe-SLDN, which represents gay and lesbian servicemembers and veterans, each filed an amicus brief in the United States v. Windsor case challenging DOMA being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on March 27.
Read the military and defense officials’ brief here.
Read the OutServe-SLDN brief here.
“As someone who served in the United States Navy for more than 30 years, I believe DOMA undermines military families and, therefore, eventually erodes military readiness,” said former Congressman and former U.S. Navy Three-Star Admiral Joe Sestak. “We have long known that supporting servicemembers’ families affects our military’s effectiveness, as well as our ability to recruit and retain the most talented fighting force in the world. But DOMA prevents the Pentagon from offering equal benefits and protections to same-sex couples and their families. I believe that DOMA is neither correct nor practical for a military force devoted to defending our freedom and equality and, therefore, that it is unconstitutional.”
Although the military has worked to make progress toward equality – namely through former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s recent extension of certain benefits to same-sex couples and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – DOMA still prevents the military from treating same-sex military couples equally. Because DOMA defines marriage for federal purposes as “between one man and one woman,” married same-sex military couples cannot qualify for many protections available to other couples, including health care, housing assistance, primary next of kin status, and survivor benefits.
“The case against DOMA is simple: institutionalized discrimination goes against the very American values that our military force defends every day,” said former Congressman Patrick Murphy. “We hurt our service members—gay and straight—and our nation every moment that this law is not overturned.”
Staff Sgt. Tracy Johnson is believed to be the first same-sex widow in the U.S. military – though she cannot be officially recognized by the federal government as the wife of her late spouse, Staff Sgt. Donna Johnson, who died last year in a suicide bombing attack in Afghanistan. The challenges Johnson has faced in the aftermath of her wife’s death has been amplified by DOMA.
“Although Donna and I were legally married, I was denied the ceremonies, rituals, and spousal survivor’s benefits that usually go to widows because Donna and I are both women,” said Johnson. “This was not because of any military rule discriminating against same-sex couples bravely serving our country; it was because of DOMA. Every military official I spoke to in the aftermath of Donna’s death was caring and compassionate, and regretted they could not treat me the same way they would treat other war widows. I hope that DOMA is overturned so that others will not experience what I did.”
OutServe-SLDN and the Center for American Progress (CAP) recently released a report about the ways in which DOMA discriminates against same-sex married military couples, called,“Collateral Damage: How the Defense of Marriage Act Harms the Troops and Undermines the U.S. Military.” OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson highlighted a few of the benefits and protections that same-sex couples in the military are barred from accessing thanks to DOMA.
“The Defense of Marriage Act prevents the military from honoring its promise to its families by essentially nullifying otherwise legal marriages between service members and spouses of the same gender,” said Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson, echoing arguments made in the organization’s Supreme Court amicus brief filed in United States v. Windsor. “This is more than just an issue of fairness; it’s also an issue of national security. When members of the military put their lives on the line for the security of this nation, they deserve to know their families will be cared for should something happen to them.”
Active-duty service members receive 70 percent of their compensation in allowances and benefits, covering housing, healthcare, employment and education, and honoring families of the fallen, but over 100 of these benefits and protections are not extended to same-sex military families.
###
The Respect for Marriage Coalition is a partnership of more than 100 civil rights, faith, health, labor, business, legal, LGBT, student, and women's organizations working together to end the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and grow support for the freedom to marry. The Coalition is co-chaired by Freedom to Marry and the Human Rights Campaign.
OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Military leaders to host conference call on DOMA harms
Washington, D.C.—Military officials, service members, and advocacy groups who filed amicus briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court in Windsor v. United States will hold a press conference call on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. ET to discuss the harms of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) on the nation’s military. Thirty military and defense officials and Outserve-SLDN filed two briefs in the case, which is being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on March 27. The call will include brief remarks and Q&A with Former Congressman and former U.S. Navy Three-Star Admiral Joe Sestak; Former Congressman, Army Captain and Iraq War Veteran Patrick Murphy; Outserve-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson; and Staff Sgt. Tracy Johnson, who is not considered a war widow despite her wife’s death in Afghanistan.
Although the military has worked to make progress toward equality – namely through former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s recent extension of certain benefits to same-sex couples and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – DOMA prevents the military from treating gay and lesbian military couples equally. Because DOMA defines marriage for federal purposes as “between one man and one woman,” same-sex military couples cannot qualify for many protections available to other couples, including health care, housing assistance, primary next of kin status, and survivor’s benefits.
Outserve-SLDN and the Center for American Progress (CAP) have jointly authored a report about the ways in which DOMA discriminates against gay and lesbian military couples, called, “Collateral Damage: How the Defense of Marriage Act Harms the Troops and Undermines the U.S. Military.” Outserve-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson will discuss the report and answer questions on the call.
WHAT:
Military Officials and Service Members Hold Conference Call on Discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
WHO:
Former Congressman and Former U.S. Navy Three-Star Admiral Joe Sestak
Former Congressman, Army Captain, Iraq War Veteran and CAP Senior Fellow Patrick Murphy
Allyson Robinson, Executive Director, Outserve-SLDN
Staff Sgt. Tracy Dice Johnson
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
10:30 AM ET
**Please RSVP to press@respectformarriage.org to receive call-in information.
# # #
The Respect for Marriage Coalition is a partnership of more than 100 civil rights, faith, health, labor, business, legal, LGBT, student, and women's organizations working together to end the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and grow support for the freedom to marry. The Coalition is co-chaired by Freedom to Marry and the Human Rights Campaign.
Although the military has worked to make progress toward equality – namely through former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta’s recent extension of certain benefits to same-sex couples and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – DOMA prevents the military from treating gay and lesbian military couples equally. Because DOMA defines marriage for federal purposes as “between one man and one woman,” same-sex military couples cannot qualify for many protections available to other couples, including health care, housing assistance, primary next of kin status, and survivor’s benefits.
Outserve-SLDN and the Center for American Progress (CAP) have jointly authored a report about the ways in which DOMA discriminates against gay and lesbian military couples, called, “Collateral Damage: How the Defense of Marriage Act Harms the Troops and Undermines the U.S. Military.” Outserve-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson will discuss the report and answer questions on the call.
WHAT:
Military Officials and Service Members Hold Conference Call on Discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
WHO:
Former Congressman and Former U.S. Navy Three-Star Admiral Joe Sestak
Former Congressman, Army Captain, Iraq War Veteran and CAP Senior Fellow Patrick Murphy
Allyson Robinson, Executive Director, Outserve-SLDN
Staff Sgt. Tracy Dice Johnson
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
10:30 AM ET
**Please RSVP to press@respectformarriage.org to receive call-in information.
# # #
The Respect for Marriage Coalition is a partnership of more than 100 civil rights, faith, health, labor, business, legal, LGBT, student, and women's organizations working together to end the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and grow support for the freedom to marry. The Coalition is co-chaired by Freedom to Marry and the Human Rights Campaign.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Robinson Outlines OutServe-SLDN Goals in First State of LGBT Military Service Address
Robinson Sets Ambitious Goal for OutServe-SLDN Growth in First State of LGBT Military Service Address
Meanwhile, fight for full LGBT equality in our armed forces is far from over, she says
(Washington, D.C.) In her first State of LGBT Military Equality Address, which took place tonight in Washington, D.C.at the OutServe-SLDN 2013 National Dinner, Army Veteran and Executive Director Allyson Robinson set a goal of reaching 14,000 actively serving OutServe-SLDN members by the end of 2014. Before the crowd of nearly 1000 service members, veterans, and supporters, she also cautioned against becoming complacent in the fight for full LGBT military equality.
“We need to be stronger because at its heart, our movement isn’t just a fight to pass laws or enact policies; it’s a campaign to change hearts, minds, and ultimately a nation. It’s not enough to check off the items on our policy agenda one by one and say one day, ‘we're done.’ We're working to create a military that truly embodies the values of fairness and equality it protects, one that leads the nation in inclusion rather than lagging behind it,” she said.
“So tonight I'm announcing a new goal. Tonight we commit ourselves to growing our membership from our current 6,000 to 14,000 actively serving members by the end of 2014 – that's one for every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, and coast guardsman kicked out under ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” she said.
Additionally, Robinson previewed the creation of new categories of membership to expand the OutServe-SLDN influence.
“We begin tonight with categories for our veterans and our straight allies; in the weeks and months ahead, we'll expand further to take advantage of the full strength of America's diverse military family – and to ensure we’re not leaving anyone behind,” she said.
Robinson cautioned supporters against becoming complacent in the wake of the extension of some benefits to same-sex military families and as the nation awaits a decision from the Supreme Court related to the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) later this year.
“The fight for full LGBT equality in our armed forces is far from over. In fact, it's just getting started. LGBT troops still lack even the most basic nondiscrimination protections – protections that have been the standard with other American employers for years. The Defense of Marriage Act still denies LGBT military families the most important support services – things like health insurance and survivor benefits. Qualified Americans who are transgender and who want to serve in uniform are still forbidden from doing so by medical regulations that have become ridiculously obsolete. And despite the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," thousands of our troops are still in the closet, afraid of what coming out might mean for their careers, their families,” she said.
The 2013 OutServe-SLDN National Dinner also featured appearances by former Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA); reality television stars and winners of CBS’s "The Amazing Race," Josh Kilmer-Purcell and his partner Brent Ridge (The Fabulous Beekman Boys); New York stage sensations, The Broadway Boys; Washington Post opinion writer and MSNBC contributor Jonathan Capehart; Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson; and the first same-sex couple to wed in the West Point Cadet Chapel, Sue Fulton and Penelope Gnesin.
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
Meanwhile, fight for full LGBT equality in our armed forces is far from over, she says
(Washington, D.C.) In her first State of LGBT Military Equality Address, which took place tonight in Washington, D.C.at the OutServe-SLDN 2013 National Dinner, Army Veteran and Executive Director Allyson Robinson set a goal of reaching 14,000 actively serving OutServe-SLDN members by the end of 2014. Before the crowd of nearly 1000 service members, veterans, and supporters, she also cautioned against becoming complacent in the fight for full LGBT military equality.
“We need to be stronger because at its heart, our movement isn’t just a fight to pass laws or enact policies; it’s a campaign to change hearts, minds, and ultimately a nation. It’s not enough to check off the items on our policy agenda one by one and say one day, ‘we're done.’ We're working to create a military that truly embodies the values of fairness and equality it protects, one that leads the nation in inclusion rather than lagging behind it,” she said.
“So tonight I'm announcing a new goal. Tonight we commit ourselves to growing our membership from our current 6,000 to 14,000 actively serving members by the end of 2014 – that's one for every soldier, sailor, airman, marine, and coast guardsman kicked out under ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” she said.
Additionally, Robinson previewed the creation of new categories of membership to expand the OutServe-SLDN influence.
“We begin tonight with categories for our veterans and our straight allies; in the weeks and months ahead, we'll expand further to take advantage of the full strength of America's diverse military family – and to ensure we’re not leaving anyone behind,” she said.
Robinson cautioned supporters against becoming complacent in the wake of the extension of some benefits to same-sex military families and as the nation awaits a decision from the Supreme Court related to the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) later this year.
“The fight for full LGBT equality in our armed forces is far from over. In fact, it's just getting started. LGBT troops still lack even the most basic nondiscrimination protections – protections that have been the standard with other American employers for years. The Defense of Marriage Act still denies LGBT military families the most important support services – things like health insurance and survivor benefits. Qualified Americans who are transgender and who want to serve in uniform are still forbidden from doing so by medical regulations that have become ridiculously obsolete. And despite the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," thousands of our troops are still in the closet, afraid of what coming out might mean for their careers, their families,” she said.
The 2013 OutServe-SLDN National Dinner also featured appearances by former Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA); reality television stars and winners of CBS’s "The Amazing Race," Josh Kilmer-Purcell and his partner Brent Ridge (The Fabulous Beekman Boys); New York stage sensations, The Broadway Boys; Washington Post opinion writer and MSNBC contributor Jonathan Capehart; Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson; and the first same-sex couple to wed in the West Point Cadet Chapel, Sue Fulton and Penelope Gnesin.
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
State of LGBT Military Service Address/OS-SLDN National Dinner
(WASHINGTON DC) The 2013 OutServe-SLDN National Dinner will take place at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC on Saturday, March 9, 2013. The organization’s Executive Director, Army veteran Allyson Robinson, will deliver her first “State of LGBT Military Service” address to set the stage for an evening expected to draw an audience of service members, veterans, families, and allies.
“The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was not the end of our fight for full equality in the military; it was just the beginning. We have a lot of work ahead of us: overturning the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), winning nondiscrimination protections for LGBT service members, and eliminating barriers to service so that all qualified Americans who wish to wear the uniform can do so with honor and pride. The great accomplishments of the first 100 days since our merger have proven we really are stronger together. To achieve our goals and represent LGBT service members, veterans, and their families in the way their sacrifice deserves, we will need to be stronger still,” said Robinson today, sounding themes she is expected to emphasize in her address.
The March 9 dinner is the first national event for OutServe-SLDN, formed last year by the combination of OutServe and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. In addition to Robinson’s address, the event will spotlight three finalists for OutServe Chapter of the Year and will culminate with an announcement of this year’s award winner. Currently, OutServe-SLDN boasts more than 55 chapters and 6000 members worldwide and represents an estimated 67,000 LGBT military personnel serving today.
The evening will also include a tribute to Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard, who passed away in February following a battle with cancer.
Among the special guests scheduled to appear are former Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA); reality television stars and winners of CBS’s "The Amazing Race," Josh Kilmer-Purcell and his partner Brent Ridge (The Fabulous Beekman Boys); New York stage sensations, The Broadway Boys; Washington Post opinion writer and MSNBC contributor Jonathan Capehart; Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson; and the first same-sex couple to wed in the West Point Cadet Chapel, Sue Fulton and Penelope Gnesin.
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
“The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was not the end of our fight for full equality in the military; it was just the beginning. We have a lot of work ahead of us: overturning the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), winning nondiscrimination protections for LGBT service members, and eliminating barriers to service so that all qualified Americans who wish to wear the uniform can do so with honor and pride. The great accomplishments of the first 100 days since our merger have proven we really are stronger together. To achieve our goals and represent LGBT service members, veterans, and their families in the way their sacrifice deserves, we will need to be stronger still,” said Robinson today, sounding themes she is expected to emphasize in her address.
The March 9 dinner is the first national event for OutServe-SLDN, formed last year by the combination of OutServe and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. In addition to Robinson’s address, the event will spotlight three finalists for OutServe Chapter of the Year and will culminate with an announcement of this year’s award winner. Currently, OutServe-SLDN boasts more than 55 chapters and 6000 members worldwide and represents an estimated 67,000 LGBT military personnel serving today.
The evening will also include a tribute to Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard, who passed away in February following a battle with cancer.
Among the special guests scheduled to appear are former Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA); reality television stars and winners of CBS’s "The Amazing Race," Josh Kilmer-Purcell and his partner Brent Ridge (The Fabulous Beekman Boys); New York stage sensations, The Broadway Boys; Washington Post opinion writer and MSNBC contributor Jonathan Capehart; Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson; and the first same-sex couple to wed in the West Point Cadet Chapel, Sue Fulton and Penelope Gnesin.
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
Friday, March 1, 2013
OS-SLDN files Supreme Court Brief in Windsor Case
OutServe-SLDN to Supreme Court: Strike Down DOMA
Amicus Brief filed today in U.S. v. Windsor details harm to military by discriminatory law
(WASHINGTON, DC) OutServe-SLDN today filed an amicus curiae brief with the United States Supreme Court in the case of United States v. Windsor arguing that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) harms military families and compromises national security. The brief, on which the law firm Chadbourne & Parke serves as counsel, urges the Court to strike down the law as unconstitutional. Oral arguments in the case are scheduled in late March.
“The Defense of Marriage Act prevents the military from honoring its promise to its families by essentially nullifying otherwise legal marriages between service members and spouses of the same gender,” said Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson, echoing arguments made in the brief. “This is more than just an issue of fairness; it’s also an issue of national security. When members of the military put their lives on the line for the security of this nation, they deserve to know their families will be cared for should something happen to them.”
The brief asserts that when DOMA was enacted, Congress did not consider its impact on the military.
“From the records of the single day of hearings in Congress when this ill-advised law was being considered, we know that there was zero discussion of the negative impact it would have on our men and women in uniform - and on the families who serve our nation alongside them. Our LGBT military families provide the same service, take the same risks, and make the same sacrifices as all others. They should not be relegated to second-class status by the country they serve,” said Robinson.
This is not the first time that OutServe-SLDN has taken a stand against the injustices DOMA inflicts upon military families. In October 2011, OutServe-SLDN and Chadbourne & Parke filed landmark litigation in federal court - McLaughlin v. Panetta - on behalf of eight gay and lesbian military families challenging DOMA and other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition and support to same-sex military spouses. In that case, as well as in Windsor, the United States has taken the position that the discrimination caused by DOMA is constitutionally indefensible. The McLaughlin case is currently stayed while the Supreme Court considers the issue of the constitutionality of DOMA in the Windsor case.
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
Amicus Brief filed today in U.S. v. Windsor details harm to military by discriminatory law
(WASHINGTON, DC) OutServe-SLDN today filed an amicus curiae brief with the United States Supreme Court in the case of United States v. Windsor arguing that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) harms military families and compromises national security. The brief, on which the law firm Chadbourne & Parke serves as counsel, urges the Court to strike down the law as unconstitutional. Oral arguments in the case are scheduled in late March.
“The Defense of Marriage Act prevents the military from honoring its promise to its families by essentially nullifying otherwise legal marriages between service members and spouses of the same gender,” said Army veteran and OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Allyson Robinson, echoing arguments made in the brief. “This is more than just an issue of fairness; it’s also an issue of national security. When members of the military put their lives on the line for the security of this nation, they deserve to know their families will be cared for should something happen to them.”
The brief asserts that when DOMA was enacted, Congress did not consider its impact on the military.
“From the records of the single day of hearings in Congress when this ill-advised law was being considered, we know that there was zero discussion of the negative impact it would have on our men and women in uniform - and on the families who serve our nation alongside them. Our LGBT military families provide the same service, take the same risks, and make the same sacrifices as all others. They should not be relegated to second-class status by the country they serve,” said Robinson.
This is not the first time that OutServe-SLDN has taken a stand against the injustices DOMA inflicts upon military families. In October 2011, OutServe-SLDN and Chadbourne & Parke filed landmark litigation in federal court - McLaughlin v. Panetta - on behalf of eight gay and lesbian military families challenging DOMA and other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal recognition and support to same-sex military spouses. In that case, as well as in Windsor, the United States has taken the position that the discrimination caused by DOMA is constitutionally indefensible. The McLaughlin case is currently stayed while the Supreme Court considers the issue of the constitutionality of DOMA in the Windsor case.
ABOUT OUTSERVE-SLDN: OutServe-SLDN is the association of actively serving LGBT military personnel with more than fifty chapters and 6000 members around the world It works to support a professional network of LGBT military personnel and create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org.
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