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Friday, March 20, 2009

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”



"Don't Ask, Don't Tell” (DADT) is the law banning openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans from serving in the military. Prior to the passage of DADT in 1993, homosexuality in the military was banned by regulation. During his first campaign for president, Bill Clinton vowed to lift the ban by executive order. President Clinton’s attempt to allow open service failed; it resulted in the passage of the DADT law.

Since the law’s 1994 implementation, more than 12,500 women and men have been discharged. According to a 2005 Government Accountability Office report, nearly 800 of those discharged were ‘mission-critical’ specialists--including pilots, intelligence analysts, medics and linguists. A Blue Ribbon Commission Report found that the cost to replace and train service members discharged from fiscal years 1994 through 2003 exceeded $363.8 million.

In spite of the ban, some gay service members are serving openly with the support of their colleagues. Others are still harassed based on their perceived sexual orientation and serve in fear of losing their careers.

Help repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: Get Involved

Get involved! Help us repeal the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on open service by lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans.
Sign the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" petition

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