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September 20, 2013

Schiff Statement on the Two Year Anniversary of the End of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Rep. Adam Schiff released the following statement on the two year anniversary of the end of the military's “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy:

"In the two years since the military brought the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy to an end, we have made tremendous strides towards full equality for all LGBT Americans. I have proudly supported these efforts and will continue to fight for justice and equal treatment under the law, as there is still work to be done.

“Today military men and women can serve their country proudly, regardless of their sexual orientation, and defend American values abroad knowing that they are receiving them at home. When the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in June, by ruling that DOMA is an unconstitutional violation of equal protection, the country took another momentous step forward towards equality and against discrimination. Same-sex couples are now afforded all the federal benefits given to married couples, including military spousal benefits.

“In addition, I was proud to see the Obama Administration express support for same-sex marriage last year. Marriage equality extends one of our most basic rights of citizenship to all Americans – that is, the right to marry the person you love. Members of the LGBT community contribute to the strength of our nation and community in every field of endeavor. They should have the right to marry, and enjoy all the benefits and responsibilities of citizenship without discrimination. Ensuring rights and benefits to those couples legally married in states that recognize same-sex marriage, is a long-overdue first step, but it remains my sincere hope that marriage equality will soon become the law of the land – legal in all 50 states.”