In 1993, President Bill Clinton introduced the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy. It was a sort of compromise to allow homosexuals to serve in the military (which was previously prohibited), but it was about as popular as the separate but equal doctrine. Gays and bisexuals could serve in the military as long as they didn’t tell anyone. If anyone found out or “outed” them, they would be dismissed from the military. Some openly quit in protest of the policy.
Of course, the policy didn’t set well with many and there has been an open cry for its repeal. That happened this week when President Barak Obama signed the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. This allows openly gay and lesbian soldiers to serve in the military for the first time in history, although it could take a few months to implement the act.
Military officials still need to meet and review the act plus write new policies based on it. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joints Chiefs Chairmen Adm. Mike Mullen will also meet with Obama to certify that the act can move on without harming the military’s cohesiveness and ability to fight. After that, it will take another 60 days before the act is official.
Ever wonder just how many soldiers this Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy affected? Since 1993, more than 14,000 soldiers have been discharged after the military learned they were gay.
After signing the repeal act, President Obama said that those discharged due to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell are eligible to re-enlist.
However, Gates sent a memo to the troops this week reminding them that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is still in effect for another 60 days even after all the paperwork and certification goes though. Due to that fact, Gates has asked active duty and reservists in the military who are gay or lesbian to not come out until after the 60 days has cleared or they may still face discharge.