SLDN Releases First Post-DADT Repeal Legal Guide
A gay servicemembers advocacy group is releasing a new legal guide for LGBT troops, recruits and their allies offering advice on U.S. military service in a post-’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ world.
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network released the “first-of-its-kind” overview titled “Freedom to Serve: The Definitive Guide to LGBT Military Service” on Thursday. It came the same day SLDN re-launched its website to provide gay military personnel and their families with the “legal tools” needed AFTER September 20th. That’s when the ban on openly gay military service is officially set to be lifted.
SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis says his group has been working on the guide since President Obama signed repeal into law last December.
SARVIS: Clearly there was going to be a need for a new comprehensive post-repeal legal guide that would be a definitive document for gay and lesbian servicemembers to access who had questions about service post-repeal.
Sarvis says the guide includes topics that LGBT troops have voiced interest in, like information on spousal and family benefits, discharge upgrades, and veterans benefits. The guide also provides a detailed list of people that gay troops can confide in during their enlistment SHOULD they decide to be ‘out.’ It even addresses discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity within the military.
SLDN has also launched an online petition urging President Obama to issue an executive order that would prohibit anti-gay biases in the armed forces.
Thanks for reporting this OutQ! FYI – http://OutMilitary.com – the Gay Military Network – is now featuring in-depth interviews with gay active duty servicemen and women… This week features “T.J.” a bi-sexual man serving in the U.S. Airforce in Turkey.
OutMilitary
July 29, 2011 at 9:31 am