DADT - Don't Ask, Don't Tell

We've all heard about it.  It's been a huge point of contention over the past few years and it was recently repealed.  Yep, I'm talking about DADT.

       "Don't ask, don't tell" refers to the policy that restricts those who are openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual from entering any branch of the armed forces.  It also was used to restrict United States military personnel from discriminating against or harassing those who are closet homosexuals or bisexuals.  Not only does this policy prohibit any homosexual or bisexual individuals from disclosing their orientation while serving but it also outlaws people from speaking out about stories relating to their sexual orientation including personal relationships.  The "don't ask" part of the policy indicates that superiors should not inquire or investigate the sexual orientation of a service member even if there is substantial evidence of homosexual or bisexual behavior.

        The Uniform Code of Military Justice was put in place in 1950 and signed by Harry S Truman, positioning the policies and procedures for discharging homosexual or bisexual service members.  Originally, the full title was "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue."  "Don't Harass" is sometimes included in the phrase to ensure that the military will not allow any type of violence referencing this controversial topic.  

       This policy was put in place mainly because of the thought that homosexuals or bisexuals in the armed forces "would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of moral, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability."

       

Army Lt. Dan Choi, an Iraq War veteran openly admitted to being gay last year.

He led fellow gay service members in visual expressions of their sexual orientation.

       The repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" was first brought up in 2008 during Barack Obama's election campaign.  In his 2010 State of the Union Address, Obama was quoted saying, "This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are."  With the final vote of the Senate cast, a bill to repeal DADT was successful with a 65-31 vote.  

          This is a controversial topic because the issue is affected by people's personal and religious beliefs.  As of now there is a bill in place banning "don't ask, don't tell."  However, the President, Secretary of Defense, and other members of the Chief of Staff, need to certify that the repeal will not harm military readiness. 

           Also Lt. Dan Choi has plans to reenlist into the Army.  

Dan Choi giving a speech in Washington, DC on repealing DADT