Skip to main content

Quigley Evokes Martin Luther King and Demands Action on DADT

May 6, 2010
Speeches

Today, Congressman Quigley delivered the following remarks on the House floor:

Madam Speaker, the Secretary of Defense has asked Congress not to repeal "Don't Ask Don't Tell until the Pentagon has another year to review the policy.

With all due respect, we've been reviewing the policy since its implementation in 1993.

To echo the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, here are some reasons why we can't wait.

Another year of dismissals will add to the 13,500 who have already been fired under the law since 1994.

Another year will reduce the ranks of mission-critical troops and linguists, harming our national security.

Another year will mean we will continue to allow young patriots to lose their lives for us, but not allow them to live the lives they choose.

Our troops agree, our allies agree, and leaders of our nation agree " we must repeal this policy now.

Dr. King wrote, "The Time is always right to do what is right.

Madam Speaker, that is why we can't wait.

House_Seal

Issues: LGBTQI+ Rights