Knights Out

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sue Fulton, Knights Out
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OBAMA UNWILLING TO RETAIN LT. DAN CHOI
But White House Spokesperson Reiterates Obama Support to Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

WEST POINT, NY, May 12, 2009 – As West Point graduates, other veterans, and supporters flooded the White House with calls today asking the President not to fire Lieutenant Dan Choi, press secretary Robert Gibbs reiterated the President’s intent to change the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.  However, he indicated that the President would take his time pursuing legislative action, and would not sign an executive order in the interim to suspend gay discharges while Congress deliberates.

Choi received notice last week that the Army would fire him because he is gay.  He returned recently from his first tour of duty in Iraq, and is a founding member of Knights Out, a group of gay and lesbian West Point grads.

Choi said that he does not understand the administration’s refusal to move faster.  “The time to repeal the law is now,” said Lieutenant Choi.  “Today. We are at war and I personally want to keep serving.”

Becky Kanis, West Point Class of ’91 and Chair of Knights Out, says she has heard from many current and former service members who support Choi.  “Dan’s leadership and Arabic language skills will save lives,” she said.

A decorated straight officer who served with Choi in Iraq told Knights Out staff today that “Dan’s work was instrumental in establishing the reconciliatory efforts in South Baghdad during the ‘surge.’”

“Lieutenant Choi represents so many other capable gay and lesbian soldiers who are counting on President Obama’s leadership,” said Kanis.  “At West Point, we were taught to balance two potentially competing objectives: accomplish the mission and take care of your soldiers.  In this case, our Commander-in-Chief can easily do both. Allowing soldiers like Dan to serve openly - without having to lie or hide - will strengthen the national security of the United States and support the thousands of soldiers who have come to know and rely on their lesbian or gay comrades-in-arms,” she said.

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Knights Out is a group of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender alumni of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  http://www.knightsout.org