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Founded in 1993, the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (www.SLDN.org)
is the nation’s sole legal aid and advocacy organization assisting members of
the US Armed Forces harmed by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and related forms of
intolerance. SLDN is a national, non-profit legal services, watchdog and law
organization dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of
military personnel.
SLDN’s plan for repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ places strategic focus on
grassroots organizing, outreach & education and an increasing emphasis on
policy advocacy.”
SLDN has always worked vigorously to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and preserve
opportunity for every American to defend the freedoms of our nation. SLDN goals
include:
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Lift the ban preventing gays, lesbians and bisexuals from serving openly and
honestly in the military.
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Provide free legal services to service members harmed by Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
and related, discriminatory policies.
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Protect service members from harassment based on perceived sexual orientation
or gender identity.
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Advocate for laws and practices that improve the lives of service members.
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Support service member and veteran pride as lesbian, gay, bisexual or
transgender persons.
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Strengthen organizational capacity to assure the freedom to serve in the most
cost-effective, strategic fashion.
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue” became law in 1994. The new law, codified
by Congress, forbids gays from being honest about their sexual orientation,
engaging in sexual or affectionate conduct, or gay marriage. It promises an end
to witch hunts, asking and pursuits of lesbian, gay and bisexual service
members. Instead, law violations and discharges soar. The Pentagon later added
“Don’t Harass” to the law in an attempt to curb rampant anti-gay harassment on
military bases.
10% of the Fly Naked with Reichen Collection's revenue is donated to SLDN
to help Lift the Ban on Gays in the Military
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