WASHINGTON -- Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) didn’t waste any time on Thursday reacting to Rep. Duncan Hunter’s (R-CA) letter requesting the Obama administration to delay certification of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) repeal.

Army veteran Aubrey Sarvis, executive director, pointedly noted that the letter was signed by only 23 members of Congress. There are 535 voting members of Congress, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate.

“This is just another instance of Mr. Hunter grandstanding as he seeks to delay repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ Mr. Hunter knows very well that Congress has acted and the chiefs, Secretary Gates, and Admiral Mullen are moving toward the final stages of certification,” Sarvis said.

“This is all about Mr. Hunter – not about our troops, who have moved on.”

Additional information

STILL AT RISK: Despite the President signing the bill authorizing repeal of DADT, it is still unsafe for service members to come out until 60 days after certification by President Obama, Secretary Gates, and Admiral Mullen. To read our warning to servicemembers, click HERE.

SLDN FREE HOTLINE: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: (202) 328-3244 x100.

ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) was established in 1993 when “Don’t Ask” originally passed. In addition to working on repeal, SLDN offers free, confidential legal services to those impacted by the discriminatory law. Last year the organization received its 10,000th call for assistance to its legal hotline.