WHEREAS, Americans of all races, colors, national origins, and sexual orientations have proudly served in the United States Armed Forces since the birth of our nation; and

WHEREAS, more than one million veterans alive today are gay, lesbian or bisexual, and more than 65,000 current servicemembers are gay, lesbian or bisexual; and

WHEREAS, those gay, lesbian and bisexual veterans and current servicemembers have distinguished themselves with their honorable service, including Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Eric Alva, the first American wounded in the invasion of Iraq; and

WHEREAS, barracks modernization programs begun more than a decade ago have greatly enhanced the personal privacy of all servicemembers; and

WHEREAS, integrity is the cornerstone to building character and becoming an effective leader in the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, lying about one’s sexual orientation does nothing to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the League of United Latin American Citizens, that we urge our elected representatives in the US Congress to repeal the law commonly referred to as Don’t ask, Don’t tell to allow gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans to serve openly and honestly in the US Armed Forces by passing the Military Readiness Enhancement Act.

Approved this 11th day of July 2008.
Rosa Rosales
LULAC National President