Lynn C. Woolsey: “Yesterday was a truly historic day in our country's struggle for equal rights for all people. Leaders of the United…”

“Yesterday was a truly historic day in our country's struggle for equal rights for all people. Leaders of the United States Army sent a notice to soldiers serving around the globe that simply said the following: ``Today marks the end of `Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' The law is repealed. From this day forward, gay and lesbian soldiers may serve in our Army with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our rules, regulations, and politics will apply uniformly without regard to sexual orientation, which is a personal and private matter.'' Mr. Speaker, 18 years after this hideous policy was first implemented, it is now gone. And the thousands of soldiers who were shamefully discharged under Don't Ask, Don't Tell may apply for reenlistment. To the men and women whose service and sacrifice have made us so proud, we say, as of yesterday: ``You no longer have to live a lie.'' To them, we say: ``You no longer have to choose between your personhood and your patriotism.'' To them, who have had the courage to do right by America, we now say: ``Your Nation now has the courage to do what is right by you.'' Air Force Lieutenant Josh Seefried, a leader among gay and lesbian servicemembers, describes the oppressive nature of this policy in this way. He said: ``It consumes your thought process, it consumes your future, because of the fear of getting caught.'' Mr.…”