Jeff Bingaman: “I rise today to speak in support of repealing the so-called don't ask, don't tell policy. It has been 17 years since…”

“I rise today to speak in support of repealing the so-called don't ask, don't tell policy. It has been 17 years since this misguided policy was enacted. I believed then, as I believe now, that it was wrong for Congress to legislate in this area. Prohibiting gays and lesbians from openly serving in our Armed Forces is contrary to our Nation's values and weakens our military's ability to recruit and retain competent individuals with critical skills. By codifying a policy that reinforces discrimination, intolerance, and inequality, we established a system that is inconsistent with the rights embodied in our Constitution and the fundamental notion that a person should be judged squarely on the basis of his or her qualifications--not the color of their skin, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. I think this quote does a good job of capturing the true strength of America--a tolerant people committed to the preservation of freedom. The ability of a person to serve in our Nation's military should be based on his or her experience, qualifications and conduct.”