On Five-Year Anniversary of Repeal, Hoosier Veterans Condemn Young’s History of Putting Himself First at Expense of Hoosiers

INDIANAPOLIS – On a press conference call today, South Bend Mayor Peter Buttigieg, Leader Scott Pelath, and Air Force veteran Rayna DeFoor criticized Congressman Todd Young for his opposition to the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, his refusal to stand up to the discriminatory anti-LGBT law in Indiana, and his history of supporting anti-LGBT policies that hurt Hoosiers.

The press call was held on the five-year anniversary of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

“Today marks an important anniversary that is especially meaningful to me as an Afghanistan veteran,” said Mayor Peter Buttigieg of South Bend. “Evan Bayh stood with service members like myself to end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and five years ago today, the law was officially repealed. We need a leader like him in the U.S. Senate, and cannot afford to elect someone like Congressman Todd Young, who has consistently aligned himself against the inclusion of all Hoosiers. His opposition to repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell represents the exact wrong direction, just like his refusal to oppose discrimination under the RFRA bill that undermined Indiana’s reputation.”

“Congressman Young showed he is not concerned with our country’s military preparedness, but instead values his own political ambitions over what’s best for Hoosiers,” said Rep. Scott Pelath. “As a former guardsman and reservist, I can say that our military is stronger and our nation is safer when all Americans are included and allowed to serve their country. But when Todd Young won’t stand with our LGBT veterans, and stays silent when RFRA allowed millions of dollars to leave our state, he gives Hoosiers a bad name.”

“Todd Young gives Hoosiers a bad name,” Rayna DeFoor, Air Force veteran. “His support of discriminating against Hoosiers and against Americans who put their life on the line to keep our country safe is something he should be ashamed of.”

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