Dem Chair Karen Thurman Praises 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal

In her last days as chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party, Karen Thurman called for the U.S. Senate to pass the DREAM Act -- which it failed to do -- and praised Congress for repealing the dont ask, dont tell policy on gays serving openly in the military.

The Senate did the right thing today for our country and our military by voting to move forward with legislation that would repeal the outdated and discriminatory dont ask, dont tell policy, said Thurman over the weekend. President Obama pledged to overturn this legislation when he campaigned for office, and the U.S. Senate today cast a critical vote to move this goal forward.

The repeal of dont ask, dont tell, which is supported overwhelmingly by the American people, will ensure that brave men and women who wish to serve in the military can do so regardless of their sexual orientation, added Thurman. It is the right thing to do, will be a boost to our national security, and would be a major victory for equal rights in America."