September 20, 2011 07:15 PM UTC

Udall Marks End of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

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• by: Colorado Pols

Say what you will about “Conservadem” Sen. Mark Udall of Colorado–as the repeal of the Department of Defense’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy against service by gays and lesbians takes effect today, Sen. Udall is justifiably proud of the work he did personally to end it.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I pushed hard for repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” because it was harmful to our national security and military readiness – especially while we are fighting two wars. Simply put, it justdoes not make sense to force brave and loyal service members out of the military for being gay.

Last year, I met with three former service members who told me how their promising careers in the military were cut short for no reason other than their sexual orientation. While fellow service members advocated for their retention, the law was unforgiving.

Stories like this have been far too common. Over the past decade of conflict, DADT has forced 14,000 service members to leave the military just when we needed them most.

Regardless of their race, religion, or sexual orientation, our troops have stood strong together to accomplish their mission. We stand firm beside them – no matter what color their skin, what god they worship, or who they love – as one nation.