'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Public Town Hall Held In California As Congress Works To Repeal Policy

EL MONTE, Calif., June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32) led a discussion in her district with residents of the San Gabriel Valley, a diverse community located in the eastern portion of LA County on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, to talk about "Don't Ask Don't Tell," (DADT) the currently debated federal policy that does not allow gay and lesbian individuals to serve openly in the military.

"This community voted over 60% in favor of Proposition 8, the initiative that removed the right to marry from same gender couples.  We and other people of color groups are working in communities like those in East and Southeast Los Angeles County to increase support for LGBT people and issues," explained Ms. Ari Gutierrez, a co-chair of the Latino Equality Alliance, the lead group that coordinated the event with the Congress member's Office.

The event was billed as a "Harvey Milk Commemorative Town Hall" in recognition of the first California state holiday honoring, Harvey Milk, the fallen leader who was the first openly-gay candidate elected to major office in the United States and who also was a Navy veteran, emphasizing the long history of gay people serving in the military.

As Congress takes steps in the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", the town hall provided an opportunity for public dialogue on the issue and the implications to LGBT people of color and female service members. Congresswoman Chu, a co-sponsor of the bill to repeal DADT indicated that it was important that Congress address this item as soon as possible.

"As a long time opponent of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' I am so proud to say that the end is near!  Last week, the United States Congress passed two important milestones on the road to repealing this homophobic policy," said Rep. Chu, adding that, while the deal struck to repeal DADT is not perfect, it still marks a historic turning point in how our nation treats its LGBT servicemen and women.