After an historic mobilization effort in West Virginia to persuade Senator Byrd to vote to repeal the ban of gays and lesbians serving openly in the armed services, the Senator, in one of his last votes before he passed, voted in committee to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. As Senator Byrd said, “Repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” does not change the composition of our Armed Forces—it merely allows troops to continue to do their jobs without fear of dismissal or blackmailing because of their personal life.”

Sen. Manchin needs to hear from us that we expected him to follow Sen. Byrd’s lead. Here’s what you can do to help.

• Call Sen. Manchin today at 202-224-3954 and tell him to vote to repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" before the lame duck session ends in December.

• Are you on Twitter? Sign this petition urging Sen. Manchin to vote for repeal.

• If you’re on Facebook, "like" Sen. Manchin’s fan page then write on his wall. Something like: Sen. Manchin, please follow the lead of Sen. Robert Byrd and vote to repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" in the lame duck session. It’s time to end this discriminatory and unnecessary practice.