Former President Jimmy Carter Calls on Congress to Revisit "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy

Thursday, May 17, 2007

In an exclusive statement to Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN.org), former President Jimmy Carter says that, "It is my long-held belief that every human being deserves dignity and respect. I often heard that phrase during my years at the United States Naval Academy, I carried it out as Commander-in-Chief, and it continues to animate my human rights work around the globe today. The nation's commitment to human rights requires that lawmakers revisit 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' the current policy that prevents lesbians, gays and bisexuals from serving openly in our armed forces."

Former President Carter was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, a world renown human rights activist, and founder of the Carter Center which addresses national and international issues of public policy.

Carter also said, "The estimated 65,000 gay men and women who currently are serving our country honorably deserve respect. America has always been a beacon of hope for those who believe in human rights and individual dignity. The brave and dedicated men and women of our armed forces also must benefit from this fundamental ideal."

You can read President Carter's complete statement to SLDN at www.sldn.org

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