OutServe-SLDN calls out Ben Carson for Abysmal Comments about LGBT Service Members

(Washington, D.C. - Decmber 6, 2015) - Statement by Matt Thorn, Interim Executive Director, concerning Ben Carson's recent remarks about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members. Ben Carson is a candidate for the Republican Party's Presidential nomination:

"I was dismayed to hear Mr. Carson lend his support towards the re-implementation of the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. The law was archaic and discriminatory; and should have never been implemented in the first place. His impetuous statement is barbaric, cruel, and supported by unfounded misconceptions.

Mr. Carson's hateful and regressive comments, parroted after statements by both Governor Huckabee and Senator Cruz, are a feeble endeavor to rally additional support from the far-right in the midst of his stalled campaign.

All service members defend this country with the same level of excellence and dedication. Neither a person's sexual orientation nor gender identity has any effect on the deliverance of that quality devotion to this great nation; nor their paralleled fundamental values in supporting and protecting our constitutional rights. It is essential that every member of our armed forces is treated with the same respect – a deference recognizing the self-less sacrifices they make for this country each and every day.

OutServe-SLDN works to ensure no first class service member is treated as a second class citizen; we will not stand for this blatant posturing on the backs of our members. I call on Mr. Carson to issue a formal apology to all actively-serving military members that identify as LGBT, and insist his future statements express the gratitude and reverence delivered to heterosexual and cisgender service members is mirrored for our members."

OutServe-SLDN (OS-SLDN) is the largest non-profit, legal services, advocacy and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. With more than fifty chapters and 60,000 subscribers around the world, OS-SLDN supports a professional network of LGBT military personnel and strives to create an environment of respect in the military with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. OS-SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. For more information, visit www.outserve-sldn.org