(CNSNews.com) - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) put out a statement on Monday applauding the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans who she says have “put their lives on the line for our freedom” by serving in the military since the founding of our nation.
Pelosi put out the statement in honor of the tenth anniversary of the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policey.
“Since our nation’s Founding, LGBTQ Americans have bravely put their lives on the line for our freedom–yet for too long have been denied the dignity and respect they deserve,” Pelosi said.
“After Democrats proudly threw ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ into the dustbin of history in 2011, the Trump Administration cruelly revived the same forces of fear and hatred four years ago with its ban on transgender men and women from the armed forces,” she said.
“Congressional Democrats salute President Biden for swiftly repealing this discriminatory policy upon taking office, and we remain united in our commitment to combat homophobia, transphobia and bigotry in all forms,” Pelosi said.
Here is the full text of Pelosi’s statement:
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on the tenth anniversary of when the repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy took effect:
“Ten years ago today, America took a monumental step forward on the march toward full equality when the repeal of the hateful ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy took effect. By correcting this historic injustice, Democrats strengthened our national security and ensured that tens of thousands of brave, patriotic LGBTQ Servicemembers could finally openly serve our country.
“Since our nation’s Founding, LGBTQ Americans have bravely put their lives on the line for our freedom – yet for too long have been denied the dignity and respect they deserve. After Democrats proudly threw ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ into the dustbin of history in 2011, the Trump Administration cruelly revived the same forces of fear and hatred four years ago with its ban on transgender men and women from the armed forces. Congressional Democrats salute President Biden for swiftly repealing this discriminatory policy upon taking office, and we remain united in our commitment to combat homophobia, transphobia and bigotry in all forms.
“Today, and every day, Democrats reaffirm our pledge to honor all who don the uniform, no matter who you are or whom you love. And we will not relent until the House-passed Equality Act is enshrined into law and we finally, fully end discrimination against LGBTQ Americans – in the workplace, in our military and in all places.”