Tag Archives: SLDN

Via press release: The OutServe-Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (OutServe-SLDN) and the American Military Partner Association (AMPA) today jointly filed a friend of the court brief [Amicus Brief] with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in the cases of Kitchen v. Herbert, decided by a federal district court in Utah, and Bishop v. Smith, decided by a federal …

This morning the Bilerico Project broke the news that the board of  OutServe–SLDN has asked for and accepted the resignation of executive director Allyson Robinson. Bil Browning writes: The organization’s entire senior staff quit immediately following the board vote. Director of External Engagement Zeke Stokes, Director of Chapter and Member Services Gary Espinas, and David McKean, Legal and Public Policy …

Responding to an ongoing controversy at Fort Bragg, the Marine Corps today issued a directive that on-base “spouses clubs” must admit the husbands and wives of gay service members. It’s a step that the other service branches have not yet announced as they grapple with how to accommodate same-sex couples following repeal of the don’t ask, don’t tell policy that …

Today is Veteran’s Day.

Transgender activist and former Human Rights Campaign staffer Allyson Robinson has been named as the head of the recently merged OutServe-SLDN. Chris Geidner reports at Buzzfeed: [H]er selection represents a huge breakthrough for a community that has received a level of respect in recent years but still faces overwhelming discrimination and high rates of violence, according to recent surveys by …

Via press release: The boards of directors of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and OutServe today announced the intent to combine the two organizations into a single organization by October 2012 with a new name and a newly configured board of directors led by a representative from each existing organization. In the intervening period, the boards and staff of both …

Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) has introduced a House bill that would change the definition of military spouses. The bill would open military benefits to the husbands and wives of married gay service members. SLDN cheers via press release: Army Veteran and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis today applauded the introduction of HR 6046, the Military Spouses …

It’s a new world.

Clip description: Gay and lesbian service members risk their lives to protect ours while their families are denied the critical protections of marriage because of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. This video is part of Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry, a new multimedia persuasion campaign to highlight the stories of military families harmed by DOMA. The campaign is …

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) reports today that their client SSgt. Anthony Loverde will be reinstated to the Air Force. Via press release: Staff Sergeant Anthony Loverde, discharged in 2008 under the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” DADT law, will be reinstated in the U.S. Air Force and will return to active duty. He will take the oath in Sacramento …

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Tonight, SLDN was pleased to hear President Obama acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of our service members, including gay and lesbian Americans who wear our nation’s uniform. The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ would not have been possible without his vision and determination. And at SLDN, we are encouraged by his announcement of a new …

Just in via press release: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) and the law firm of Morrison & Foerster today announced that their client, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jase Daniels, discharged in April 2005 and again in March 2007 under the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) law, has been reinstated in the U.S. Navy and will return to active duty …

Today the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network will file a suit against DOMA on behalf of gay active duty soldiers. The lead plaintiffs include Massachusetts Army National Guard Maj. Shannon McLaughlin and her wife, Casey. Lawyers plan to sue in federal district court in Boston, the same court that ruled last year that the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional …

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network head Aubrey Sarvis gives the president huge credit for the repeal of DADT, but warns of the day when one of our enemies wins back the Oval Office. “Most of the candidates say they would repeal the repeal. A new president could force the military to change the regulations, and we would go back to a …

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network has posted the above post-DADT guide for gay soldiers. Soldiers may attend some gay-related events in uniform, but regulations regarding political activities will, of course, apply to gay soldiers too.

“Captain Owen Honors was acting more like the president of a frat house rather than the executive officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise. We call upon the Navy to investigate this matter thoroughly. It is very important that the most senior leadership make it absolutely clear that this kind of bad behavior and poor judgment is not only unacceptable, but that …

The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network has issued a warning that gay troops should not consider coming out just yet. Via press release: “We need the media’s help to let troops know they remain at risk under the law even after the President signs the bill. The Pentagon just released new guidence that made clear “Don’t Ask” may still be the …

GetEQUAL Wow. After 17 years of living under the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, we’re one step closer to repealing the ban on open and honest service for lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans. Make no mistake — DADT is not yet repealed. There is still work to do. There is still a long process ahead, but we vow to …

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network will be staging a sit-in of the Senate gallery until the chamber votes on the repeal of DADT. Sen. Joe Liebermann will join SLDN at a press conference today announcing the sit-in.