Representative Rick Kriseman wants Florida on the record as calling for repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Representative Kriseman's proposal of course would be a symbolic measure for the Florida Legislature to consider.

In a press release, the St. Petersburg based representative said, "

"It's past time to end the failed policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". There are nearly eighty thousand gay or lesbian veterans who live in Florida. Brave men and women who served honorably, but also in fear. They deserved better, and today's service members deserve better. I urge our leaders in Washington, D.C. to move quickly in repealing this terribly ineffective law."

Chiming in supporting the proposal was the state's biggest gay rights group, Equality Florida. The Executive Director of the group, Nadine Smith, said in a press release today that, "

"Rick Kriseman joins our military's top leaders in recognizing that firing qualified service members based on anti-gay prejudice is both un-American and hurts out military's readiness.  Those who choose to serve their country deserve respect, not discrimination."