Fears About Ending DADT Greatly Exaggerated: Report
A recently unearthed Pentagon report shows that ending the discriminatory policy had no ill effects on the military and that fears about doing so were based on prejudice.
September 29 2022 7:46 PM
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The latest news about the effects of repealing the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Introduced by Bill Clinton as a comprimise measure that allowed gays and lesbians to serve in the militrary branches, DADT went into effect in 1994 and mandated that service members stay in the closet about their sexual orientation. Proponents cited to "unit cohesion," "high standards of morale," and "good order and discipline" as reasons for DADT's necessity. President Barack Obama ended the policy in 2011.
A recently unearthed Pentagon report shows that ending the discriminatory policy had no ill effects on the military and that fears about doing so were based on prejudice.
These vets are eligible to upgrade their discharge status to receive benefits, but many have found the process difficult. The new California program will help.
Some are seeing barriers because of the type of discharge they received, even after the government announced a simplified process.
"For far too long, thousands of courageous individuals have been told that they are not worthy of the same benefits that their comrades and counterparts earned," Velis said.
This servicemember will not accept injustice, wherever it may occur.
The military leader and former secretary of State also eventually endorsed marriage equality.
Ten years after the repeal, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta reflects on its benefits to the armed forces.
The repeal, which took effect 10 years ago today, "helped move our nation closer to its foundational promise of equality, dignity, and opportunity for all," Biden said.
Coons, who championed repeal during his first month in office, discusses progress made and progress needed in a video for The Advocate.
On the anniversary of the signing of repeal legislation, Pelosi urges passage of the Equality Act.
The former vice president was a large part of the intricate effort required to kill "don't ask, don't tell."
Veterans share struggles from the DADT era and in today's fight for trans rights.
Gov. Gina Raimondo signed legislation into law on Friday.
Veterans Affairs policies are still trying to catch up to post-DADT world.
Many vets received less-than-honorable discharges under the policy, affecting their eligibility for benefits. Rep. Seth Moulton unveils a plan to upgrade them.
Ending bans on open military service required collaboration and tenacity.
Long before the White House was basked in rainbow colors in 2015 to celebrate the Supreme Court ruling allowing same-sex marriage, the President called himself a "fierce advocate" for our rights.
On this important anniversary, gay Iraq vet Rob Smith shares an excerpt from his powerful memoir, Closets, Combat + Coming Out.
The president's deft repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" set the stage for a remarkable string of LGBT wins, writes Don't Tell Me to Wait author Kerry Eleveld.
The new Army secretary gets why his appointment is historic, and even he's surprised.