Ding-Dong, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Is Dead!
After nearly 18 years of keeping homosexual and bisexual military service members and applicants locked in the closet, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is finally dead. The historical repeal, signed by President Obama almost one year ago, occurred at midnight on Monday. While sexual orientation has zero impact on a person's ability to serve for his or her country, openly gay or bisexual military applicants were turned away while said service members were not-so-politely excused from their duties.
As a result of the policy, which was enacted in 1993 under President Bil Clinton, an estimated 13,000 gays and lesbians were discharged from service for stepping out of the closet, said Tom Carpenter, a board member with the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, according to Daily Breeze.
Details of the repeal are slated to be discussed today by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The majority of military personnel have undergone training to accept qualified recruits regardless of their sexual orientation, according to Pentagon Press Secretary George Little. "The force is well aware that this is coming," Little said. "They've had the training. It's been in the press for months. The September 20th day is not a mystery."
Many gay and bisexual veterans and active members wonder if gay and lesbian service members will be protected against discrimination and bullying.
