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Log Cabin Republicans Salute Senator Susan Collins, Bipartisan Majority for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal

December 18, 2010

(Washington, DC) – Log Cabin Republicans thank the bipartisan Senate majority which today voted for cloture on repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' and particularly recognizes Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) for her steadfast leadership.

"With this vote, we have crossed one of the final hurdles standing in the way of ending the failed 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy," said R. Clarke Cooper, Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director. "Log Cabin Republicans are proud of our Senate allies who have voted to make our military stronger. Senator Collins, in particular, has long been the point of the spear in fighting for repeal among Republicans. She showed tremendous leadership in crossing the aisle to make this vote happen, continuing the fight when many thought hope was lost. Senators Brown, Kirk, Murkowski, Snowe and Voinovich also deserve our thanks for taking a principled stand for the integrity of all American servicemembers.

"Log Cabin Republicans urge Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, and President Obama to move with all deliberate speed to implement the measures necessary for open service so that certification can proceed and gay and lesbian patriots will be free to serve our nation as honestly as they do honorably. Until that happens, Log Cabin will continue to push for the constitutional rights of servicemembers by any means necessary."

Republican senators supporting repeal include:

• Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA)
• Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)
• Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL)
• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
• Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME)
• Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH)

Log Cabin Republicans have maintained a three-front strategy against 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' lobbying for repeal in Congress, consulting with the Department of Defense, and filing suit in federal court. The case went to trial in July of 2010, and Judge Virginia Phillips ruled on September 9, 2010 that the policy violated the First and Fifth Amendments of the Constitution.