Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” - September 20, 2011

On September 20, 2011, a significant shift in United States military policy occurred with the official repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), a policy that had barred openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual individuals from serving in the military. This repeal marked a pivotal moment in the history of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.

Background

• Introduction of DADT: The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was enacted on December 21, 1993, under the administration of President Bill Clinton. It was a compromise measure intended to allow gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to serve in the military, provided they did not disclose their sexual orientation. Conversely, military personnel were not to inquire about a service member’s sexual orientation.

• Impact of DADT: While intended as a compromise, DADT led to the discharge of approximately 13,000 service members over its 17-year history. The policy was criticized for forcing service members to hide their true identities and for perpetuating discrimination within the military.

Repeal Process

• Political and Social Pressure: Over the years, increasing political and social pressure mounted to repeal DADT. Advocacy groups, veterans, and some political leaders argued that the policy was discriminatory and detrimental to military cohesion and effectiveness.

• Legislative Action: In December 2010, Congress passed the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama on December 22, 2010. The repeal was contingent upon a certification process to ensure that lifting the ban would not harm military readiness.

• Certification and Implementation: The certification process involved assessments by the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the President. On July 22, 2011, they certified that the military was prepared for the change, setting the stage for the official repeal 60 days later, on September 20, 2011.

Significance and Aftermath

• Open Service: The repeal allowed gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military without fear of discharge due to their sexual orientation. This was a landmark step toward equality and inclusivity within the armed forces.

• Broader Impact: The repeal of DADT was part of a broader movement toward LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, contributing to the momentum for further legal and social changes, including the eventual legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015.

• Military Integration: Following the repeal, the military undertook efforts to integrate openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members, focusing on training and education to ensure a smooth transition and maintain unit cohesion.

The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” on September 20, 2011, stands as a testament to the evolving understanding of equality and civil rights within the United States, reflecting a significant change in both military policy and societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals.