Fashion designer Kenneth Cole is urging
Congress to repeal “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” with a limited edition
t-shirt.
DADT is the 1993 law that forbids gay
troops from revealing their sexuality. Over 13,000 gay and lesbian
service members have been fired under the policy.
Pending legislation before Congress
would repeal the law. Republicans, however, have united to fight
repeal of the gay ban. Only five House GOP lawmakers voted in favor
of adding repeal language to next year's defense budget. Senate
Republicans – led by Arizona Senator John McCain – have
threatened to filibuster the bill when it comes up for a vote later
this summer.
Earlier this month, Kenneth Cole
unveiled a new t-shirt that urges repeal. The limited edition
t-shirt features Uncle Sam with the caption “I WANT YOU … YOU'RE
SO REPEALING (DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL).”
All net proceeds go to the AWEARNESS
Fund, a not-for-profit entity that supports, encourages and
empowers acts of service, volunteerism and social change, and the
Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest advocate for gay
rights.
The shirt sells for $35 at Kenneth Cole
retail outlets (Philadelphia, New York, Chicago and San Francisco)
and can also be purchased online at the HRC
shop.