Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” - December 23, 2010

On December 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy, a pivotal moment in the advancement of LGBTQ rights in the United States. This legislative action allowed gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military, ending a 17-year policy that had forced service members to conceal their sexual orientation.

Background

• Introduction of DADT: The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was enacted in 1993 under President Bill Clinton. It was a compromise measure intended to allow gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to serve in the military as long as they did not openly disclose their sexual orientation. Conversely, military officials were not to inquire about a service member’s orientation.

• Criticism and Challenges: Over the years, DADT faced significant criticism for perpetuating discrimination and forcing service members to live in secrecy. It led to the discharge of approximately 13,000 military personnel during its enforcement.

Legislative Journey

• Momentum for Repeal: The push for repeal gained momentum during President Obama’s administration, with advocacy from LGBTQ rights groups, military leaders, and some members of Congress who argued that the policy was discriminatory and detrimental to military cohesion and effectiveness.

• Congressional Action: In December 2010, Congress passed the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. The House of Representatives approved the bill on December 15, followed by the Senate on December 18.

Signing into Law

• Presidential Approval: On December 22, 2010, President Obama signed the repeal into law, stating that it was a step toward equality and justice, reflecting the nation’s values of fairness and integrity.

• Implementation: The repeal did not take immediate effect. The law required certification from the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the military was prepared to implement the change without compromising readiness. This certification was completed on July 22, 2011, and the repeal officially took effect on September 20, 2011.

Significance and Aftermath

• Impact on the Military: The repeal allowed service members to serve openly without fear of discharge due to their sexual orientation, fostering a more inclusive environment within the armed forces.

• Broader LGBTQ Rights Movement: The repeal of DADT was a significant victory for the LGBTQ rights movement, symbolizing broader societal acceptance and paving the way for further advancements, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015.

The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” marked a transformative moment in U.S. military history and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ equality, reflecting a shift towards greater inclusivity and recognition of diversity within the armed forces.