Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis is leaving the group five months
after the repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.”
“Working with the team at SLDN on
behalf of our nation's LGBT service members has been the great honor
of my life,” Sarvis said in a statement. “But make no mistake –
there is much more to be done. While I will not be on the front
lines in the same way I have since 2007, I will be there nonetheless,
doing all I can to help us reach a day in this country when there is
full equality and every qualified patriot who wishes to serve can do
so without fear, discrimination or harassment. That day is coming
sooner than many think.”
SLDN played a critical role in the
effort to repeal “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the 18-year-old policy
that ended on September 20, 2011 which banned gay and bisexual troops
from serving openly.
Sarvis told gay glossy The
Advocate that a reinstatement of the policy seemed “highly
unlikely.”
“But anything is possible in a new
administration,” he added. “Unfortunately, gay, lesbian, and bi
service members are serving today under a new set of regulations,
which provide for their service. Their service is not protected by
federal statute. I think there's a misconception among some folks
that gays and lesbians are serving today under a new law that permits
their service.”
SLDN will continue to champion for the
rights of gay troops, particularly as they relate to marriage.
Sarvis will formally step down when a
replacement is found.