APA urges an end to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Washington, DC, Feb. 4, 2010 – The American Psychological Association issued a statement today urging the Pentagon and Congress to quickly end the ban on gays and lesbians who want to serve openly in the military.

The APA, which strongly opposes "don't ask, don't tell," points to decades of scientific research that demonstrates no threat to the troops or their abilities. The APA’s president, Carol Goodheart, notes that a repeal would improve the mental health of gay and lesbian people already serving in the armed forces.

"The military can be seen as a highly stressful environment, especially in wartime,” says Goodheart. “The current policy works against effective access to mental health services by increasing the anxiety of gay and lesbian military personnel and discouraging them from seeking mental health care."

Admiral Mullen, who is chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secretary Gates testified on Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee in favor of allowing gay men and lesbians to openly serve. President Obama made a campaign promise to put an end to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, but he has yet to issue an executive order to stop it.