Florida Congressman to Honor Lt. Dan Choi at National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Dinner
Hastings to Honor Lt. Dan Choi at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s 13th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner (Washington, DC) Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) will honor Lt. Dan Choi at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s 13th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Launched in 1997, the Miami Recognition Dinner honors individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the social, cultural, political, and humanitarian needs of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. DETAILS WHO: Congressman Alcee L. Hastings WHAT: The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s 13th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner WHEN: Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Fontainebleau Miami Beach 4441 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33140 Hastings is a leader in the fight to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the unjust law that prohibits LGBT service members from serving openly and honestly in the military. On June 22 and August 27, Hastings sent letters to President Obama urging him to suspend the investigation and discharge of service members in the Armed Forces because of their sexual orientation. The White House has yet to respond to the letters. Furthermore, Hastings has also written to Defense Secretary Gates, urging him to work together with President Obama and Congress to establish a timeline within which to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and replace it with a policy of inclusion and non-discrimination. On July 27, Hastings introduced an amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations bill that prohibited the use of funds to investigate or discharge service members for “telling” their sexual orientation. Due to pressure from some Congressional colleagues and from the White House, Hastings withdrew his amendment. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings is Vice Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a senior member of the House Rules Committee, and Co-Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission. ### Lale M. Mamaux Chief of Staff, DC Office of Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (FL-23) 202-225-1313 (phone) 202-225-1171 (fax).jpg)
