“Today the U.S. Senate acted against the advice of the military leadership, the wishes of the American people, and the best interests of our service members. Through a filibuster of military defense legislation that included the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” they chose to uphold discriminatory policy that has forced out more than 13,500 brave men and women from serving in our armed forces.

“Every day, LGBT service members put their lives on the line to serve and protect our great nation. Asking them to lie about who they are is not what America is about.

“As New Yorkers, we are fortunate to be represented in the Senate by two forceful advocates for equality. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have worked hard in Washington D.C. for this repeal. I applaud both Senators for their leadership and never-ending determination to fight on behalf of all Americans.

“Today’s defeat can be attributed to politicians in Washington who are more concerned about scoring political points with the Right Wing than doing the right thing for our men and women in uniform. But the fight does not end today. With renewed determination, we will continue to work and fight for equal rights in our country.”