OutServe-SLDN Blasts Ted Cruz for Hateful Comments about LGBT Service Members

(Washington, DC - December 4, 2015) - Statement by Matt Thorn, Interim Executive Director of OutServe-SLDN on recent remarks about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people serving in the United States Military by Senator Ted Cruz:

"We were shocked to hear that Mr. Cruz made such hateful and disparaging statements about LGBT people who serve our country as members of the United States military. This behavior is not fitting for a member of the United States Senate, let alone a candidate for the office of President of the United States and Commander in Chief.

LGBT service members defend this nation with the same dignity and commitment as any other service member. They stand for the same values to protect our safety and security. They should be treated with the respect deserving of the sacrifices that they make for our nation each and every day.

Our military depends on the selflessness and bravery of Americans willing to defend and protect our fundamental values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Sexual orientation or gender identity has no bearing on the ability to serve.

It is fundamentally and grossly disrespectful to malign anyone who is willing to risk their life to serve and protect the citizens of this country. They deserve honor and recognition for their service, not a politician or presidential candidate who belittles them in order to gain points on a conference call. It is especially concerning when he purports to stand for freedom, but is willing to degrade members of our military who fight to uphold that freedom.

LGBT service members deserve an apology from Mr. Cruz and as the organization working hard to support LGBT service members and their families, we demand an apology from Senator Cruz. OutServe-SLDN will not let this kind of political posturing on the backs of members of our military stand."

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.