December 18, 2010
The United States Senate voted to repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, allowing openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to serve in the military.
Washington, D.C., United States | United States Senate
On December 18, 2010, the United States Senate voted to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy, a significant milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. This decision allowed openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to serve in the U.S. military without fear of discharge due to their sexual orientation.
The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was enacted in 1993 under President Bill Clinton. It was a compromise measure that prohibited military personnel from discriminating against or harassing closeted homosexual or bisexual service members or applicants, while barring openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual individuals from military service. The policy effectively forced LGBTQ+ service members to hide their sexual orientation to avoid discharge.
The movement to repeal DADT gained momentum in the late 2000s, driven by advocacy from LGBTQ+ rights organizations, veterans, and political leaders. President Barack Obama, who had campaigned on a promise to end the policy, supported the repeal. In 2010, the Pentagon conducted a comprehensive review, which concluded that allowing openly gay service members would have minimal impact on military effectiveness.
The legislative process to repeal DADT involved several key steps:
House of Representatives Vote: On December 15, 2010, the House passed the repeal bill with a vote of 250-175.
Senate Vote: On December 18, 2010, the Senate voted 65-31 in favor of repealing DADT. This bipartisan vote included support from both Democratic and Republican senators.
Presidential Signature: President Obama signed the repeal into law on December 22, 2010.
The repeal of DADT officially took effect on September 20, 2011. This change allowed LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly in the military, marking a significant step toward equality and inclusivity within the armed forces. The repeal was widely seen as a victory for civil rights and was celebrated by LGBTQ+ advocates and allies.
The repeal of DADT was part of a broader movement toward LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, reflecting changing societal attitudes and increasing acceptance of diverse sexual orientations. It paved the way for further advancements, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015.
The decision to allow openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to serve in the military without fear of discrimination or discharge was a landmark moment in American history, underscoring the nation’s commitment to equality and justice for all its citizens.
Source: www.nytimes.com