Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson Calls to End "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

In a joint letter to President Barack Obama, House Homeland Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson calls for the end of Clinton's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" homosexual policy in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Although we are confident that you will remain true to your campaign promise to end Don´t Ask, Don´t Tell, our LGBT [gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)] service members and our country´s national security will continue to suffer if initial action is delayed until 2010 or 2011...This bilateral strategy would allow our openly gay and lesbian service members to continue serving our country and demonstrate our nation´s lasting commitment to justice and equality for all...we stand ready to assist you in repealing this dishonorable and debilitating law as soon as possible, and in restoring justice and equality in our Armed Forces.