GLAAD Commends Federal Judge's Decision to Issue Injunction on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

October 12, 2010, New York, NY –The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today commended a federal judge's decision to issue an injunction on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that prohibits gay and lesbian service members from serving openly and honestly in the United States Armed Forces.

"Today's historic decision could put an end to 17 years of discrimination that not only harmed brave men and women denied the opportunity to serve their country simply because of who they are, but also the American people who lost invaluable service members working to protect their country," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "Now, we hope that President Obama will live up to his promise and side with equality."

GLAAD continues to share the stories of gay and lesbian service members and encourages media outlets to highlight the concrete harms facing these brave men and women who only want the opportunity to serve their country. GLAAD has camera-ready gay and lesbian service members for media outlets, ready to speak on this issue.

This year GLAAD worked with Sergeant Anthony Bustos, a former army soldier, to prep him for an interview with ABC News regarding "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," during which he came out. GLAAD also brought the story of Sara Isaacson to Americans through media interviews with National Public Radio and NBC News. Sara is a University of North Carolina former ROTC student who must repay $80,000 in tuition after coming out.