Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) released the following statement after Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee today on President Obama’s stated intention to allow LGBT Americans to serve openly in the U.S. military.

“America is fighting two wars, supporting humanitarian operations in Haiti, and fighting against al-Qaeda and other terrorists around the world. We should be grateful for the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines – gay or straight – who defend our nation.  Sexual orientation, race, religion or gender, should never be used to determine the contributions any man or woman makes to our military or anywhere in our society. ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ runs contrary to the core American belief of equality and Congress should repeal it promptly.”