WASHINGTON, DC -- Below is a statement from GetEQUAL - a national civil rights organization working for the full federal equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans - about the possible nomination of Chuck Hagel to the position of Secretary of Defense. The statement should be attributed to Tanya Domi, chair of GetEQUAL's board and a former Army officer who served honorably for 15 years:

GetEQUAL strongly opposes the potential nomination of Chuck Hagel to become the next Secretary of Defense. Hagel has, time and time again, taken every opportunity to lambast and denigrate GLBT Americans, and the Cabinet is no place for this kind of disrespect.

Hagel's recent apology for his insulting comments about the nomination of James Hormel as U.S. Ambassador to Luxemborg were hollow, politically expedient, and nakedly gratuitous. The Defense Department has made important strides toward creating an inclusive Armed Forces, but has miles left to go - nominating Hagel to lead the Defense Department would be a staggering step backward for the GLBT community and an upheaval of President Obama's past support for the GLBT community.

During his years in Congress, Hagel consistently opposed the advancement of civil rights for GLBT Americans. A Hagel nomination would throw President Obama's support for GLBT civil rights into deep suspicion. Following yesterday's signing of an NDAA that includes a new "conscience clause" designed to permit discrimination in the military by chaplains, the GLBT community is looking for leadership at the Defense Department that will remove discriminatory practices from the Armed Forces -- not cement those practices.

GetEQUAL strongly recommends that President Obama nominate a new leader at the Pentagon who will fully and fairly implement the Military Readiness Enhancement Act and who will provide leadership to create anti-discrimination policies that will extend respect and dignity for GLBT service members and their families, extend benefits to same-sex partners of service members, and provide a pathway for transgender service members to finally serve their country openly and honestly.