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March 05, 2008 

First Circuit to Hear Arguments in "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

Service men and women are seeking reinstatement in the armed forces.

Sociological expert available for comment.

Since 1993, more than 11,000 service members have been dismissed under the policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." On Wednesday March 7, 2007, the federal First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, Massachusetts, will here oral arguments in Cook v. Gates, and challenge the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay, and bisexual service men and women. The 12 plaintiffs are seeking reinstatement in the armed forces.

In November, the American Sociological Association filed a research-based Amicus Brief on behalf of Social Scientists, stating sexual orientation does not affect job performance.

Dr. David Segal, Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland-College Park, Director of the Center for Research on Military Organization, and a co-author of the brief, is available for interviews and comments.

To request an interview or comment, contact Sujata Sinha at 202-247-9871 or via email at ssinha@asanet.org.