Equality Caucus Applauds Veterans Affairs Announcement to Include All Servicemembers
DATE: September 20, 2021
CONTACT: laura.brantley@mail.house.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Equality Caucus Applauds Veterans Affairs
Announcement to Include All Servicemembers
Washington, D.C. – The Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus applauds an announcement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that will allow LGBTQ+ servicemembers who previously received an other-than-honorable discharge for sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV status to receive VA benefits.
"I applaud the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Biden Administration for taking these important steps to honor the service of LGBTQ veterans," said Equality Caucus Chair David Cicilline (RI-01). "Those who were discharged under Don't Ask, Don't Tell have already suffered unfair discrimination and it is wrong for them to face additional barriers in receiving services. These announced changes will make it easier for LGBTQ veterans to access the services they have earned, including health care, and is an important step in our country's progress towards full equality for the LGBTQ community."
"All servicemembers who honorably served our country deserve the benefits they are entitled to, regardless of their sexual orientation," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02). "Today's announcement from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the 10th anniversary of the repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is a great first step in restoring the honor these servicemembers deserve. Thank you, President Biden and Secretary McDonough, for recognizing the advocacy of so many LGBTQ+ veterans and righting past wrongs."
"With his announcement today, Secretary McDonough is sending a clear message that LGBTQ+ veterans' service matters and that VA acknowledges the long-lasting effects that the draconian Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy had," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair and Veterans' Affairs Committee Chair Mark Takano (CA-41). "On the tenth anniversary of its repeal, VA has opened its doors widely to all veterans who were unfairly denied the care and benefits they earned because of their sexuality or gender identity. This new announcement is a tremendous first step, but there is still more work to do to rebuild the trust of LGBTQ+ veterans and ensure they can fully access their earned VA care and benefits. With our bills to create a commission for LGBTQ servicemembers and veterans and to secure much-needed benefits, we can continue the necessary work to reckon with the injustices these servicemembers faced, provide a space for healing, and ensure VA is welcoming for all."
"The United States has a responsibility to look out for every American who put on the uniform to defend our freedoms," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Angie Craig (MN-02). "I'm grateful that the VA has taken this long-overdue step – which will ensure that LGBTQ veterans who put their lives on the line to protect ours are given the benefits they've earned after serving our nation."
"Ten years after the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, we are finally seeing justice for Veterans and service members who were impacted by its harmful and discriminatory effects," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Sharice Davids (KS-03). "Those who served our country fully and faithfully deserve the benefits they earned, period. I'm glad to see the VA take steps to ensure we live up to that duty and remedy the persistent legacy of DADT."
"It's welcome news that VA announced a new directive today to start the process of correcting the double standard that has long persisted for LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans. It's past time these veterans are afforded the benefits they've rightfully earned defending our country," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Chris Pappas (NH-01). "However we can't forget just four years ago President Trump banned transgender servicemembers from serving in our Armed Forces, and this new directive can be reversed by subsequent administrations. Passing the SERVE Act will ensure these changes become permanent, and that LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans and their VA benefits are protected by law. As we commemorate the ten-year anniversary of the repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and celebrate the freedom of LGBTQ+ servicemembers to serve openly following its repeal, I remain committed to pushing this legislation forward to honor the service of all those who put their lives on the line for our country, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation."
"For far too long, brave LGBTQ+ servicemembers were unjustly discharged simply for who they were and who they loved - and deprived of the VA benefits and care they deserved because of it," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mondaire Jones (NY-17). "10 years after the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, I'm thrilled to see the VA taking this long-overdue step to provide them the care they've earned."
"Veterans who fought to protect our country's freedoms and principles should be able to get benefits regardless of who they love. This VA directive sends a clear message that our country will honor veterans' service to our country and end discriminatory double-standards. I applaud VA Secretary McDonough and the agency for taking this important stance and helping our veterans access important benefits and resources that they deserve," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Ritchie Torres (NY-15).
Please contact Shawn Gaylord at 202-257-8416 or shawn.gaylord@mail.house.gov with press inquiries.
Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.
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