Date: Wed, 28 Jan 98 10:30:29 EST From: "NGLTF" Subject: NGLTF: Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Mark F. Johnson, Media Director mfjohnson@ngltf.org 202/332-6483 x3314 pager 1-800-757-6476 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ................................................ NGLTF HAILS DECISION IN MCVEIGH CASE; CALLS FOR REPEAL OF "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" WASHINGTON, DC---January 27, 1998---- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) hailed Monday's U.S. District Court decision to temporarily block the discharge of U. S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Timothy R. McVeigh. McVeigh was scheduled to be discharged at midnight tonight. The Navy is seeking to oust him because the word "gay" was found in an America Online user profile which was traced to the officer. America Online has since admitted it improperly followed its own guidelines regarding the disclosure of a subscriber's identity. Even though the decision allows McVeigh to return to work, the case is still in litigation. In handing down his decision, District Judge Stanley Sporkin said the Navy violated the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy when it "impermissibly embarked on a search and 'outing' mission" to determine whether or not McVeigh is gay. The Judge said "suggestions of sexual orientation in a private anonymous email account did not give the Navy sufficient reason to investigate to determine whether to commence discharge proceedings." The 1993 "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is the current incarnation of the military's 50-year prohibition on gay, lesbian, and bisexual people serving in the U.S. armed forces. The original policy stated that homosexuality was incompatible with military service. It was replaced by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" which was intended to allow servicemembers to serve as long as they did not discuss their sexual orientation. "'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' should be repealed," said Kerry Lobel, NGLTF Executive Director. "By requiring servicemembers to remain in the closet, this proves the only thing incompatible with military service is the truth." -30- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level since its inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have any questions regarding this post, please direct them to one of the contacts at the top of this message If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to .