Himes to Celebrate Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – U.S. Rep. Jim Himes will hold a rally with gay constituents, organizations and allies Saturday to celebrate the full repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

“At long last, the United States has abolished the institutionalized bigotry of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ ” Himes said in a statement Tuesday. “Today we thank the many LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] men and women who bravely serve our country and look forward to a more secure nation, a stronger military and an environment that treats all soldiers with the same respect and dignity they deserve.”

Under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” also referred to as “DADT,” armed forces officials were not allowed to ask service members about their sexual orientation. Gay men and women were expected to keep their sexual preference a secret. Those who were open about their sexual orientation faced punishment and, oftentimes, expulsion. The policy was originally signed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, and upheld until President Barack Obama signed the law to repeal it earlier this year.  

The event is scheduled for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s On the Green, 60 East Ave. in Norwalk. Himes and local LGBT organizations plan to highlight the progress of the policy’s repeal and discuss the work remaining to ensure all members of the LGBT community are treated fairly under the law, the release stated.

To reach Anna Helhoski, email ahelhoski@thedailygreenwich.com. 

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