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Compiled by GayToday
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Washington D.C. -- President Bush's proposal, announced last week, to create a
Department of Homeland Security perpetuates a double-standard for lesbian,
gay and bisexual Coast Guardsmen that should be removed, according to
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN).
In announcing the creation of a Department of Homeland Security, President
Bush proposed that the United States Coast Guard be moved from the
Department of Transportation to the new cabinet level agency. |
 Bush announces the creation of a new cabinet post for Homeland Security |
Under the President's plan, Coast Guardsmen would work alongside officials from the
Secret Service, Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization
Service, among others.
The plan, however, would mean that Coast Guardsmen are the only members of
the new department who would continue to be fired on the basis of sexual
orientation under the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy.
All other agencies in the proposed department would be covered by an Executive Order,
implemented by Clinton Administration and still in effect under the Bush
Administration, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual
orientation.
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"The President's proposal presents a unique opportunity for the White House
and Congress to free the Coast Guard from the military's policies of
anti-gay discrimination," said SLDN Legal Director Sharra E. Greer.
"The Department of Homeland Security will recruit America's best and brightest,
including linguists and intelligence officers.
"There is no question that
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans have been, and will
continue to be, a part of our nation's defense. In his proposal to
Congress, President Bush should recognize their contributions and free this
new agency from the hypocrisy of a dangerous, anti-gay, double standard."
SLDN noted that almost as many members of Team Coast Guard are protected
from anti-gay discrimination by Executive Order as are subject to 'Don't
Ask, Don't Tell' in the first place.
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Related Sites:
Office of Homeland Security
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
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"Already, Coast Guardsmen serve alongside openly gay people as they protect
our nation," said Greer. "All credible evidence suggests the Coast Guard would
enhance mission readiness by being free of the bonds of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'
"The Department of Homeland Security should begin on the right note, and
welcome all Americans who have talents to bring to the table."
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