Since ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ became law, over 11,000 servicemembers have been discharged because of their sexuality.  The number of servicemembers who have left on their own volition, or have decided not to re-enlist because of this law is not documented. The government has spent over $363 million dollars in taxpayer money to implement this unfair legislation.  Dozens of other countries, many of whom have fought side-by-side with our soldiers, allow lesbians, gays and bisexuals to serve openly. Those are the facts and they have nothing to do with a servicemembers passion and skill to perform his duty.

At Brave New Foundation we have fought many battles for people’s rights and to shed light on particular subjects, but this battle is different.  It is different because it is dealing with sexuality and that is a topic that has long been taboo in this country.   It is different because it is dealing with perceptions and prejudices that are ingrained into our very core from years of misinformation about what ‘gay’ means.  We feel strongly that it is time to allow lesbians, gays, and bisexuals to not live in fear of losing their hard won and extremely vital jobs because of their sexuality.  Please help us by signing the petition to your Congressmember to lift the ban and support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act which will allow gays to volunteer to join the military.