Obama "Don't Ask/Don't Tell" Repeal Moves America Forward

In addressing the nation’s military, President Obama’s first State of the Union offered hope to not only expand and improve the capacity of our armed forces, but to do the same for our nation. As a member of Intersections International—a social justice organization that promotes understanding across lines of culture and faith, and whose cause célèbre is to honor the diversity of our world—it was incredible to witness that moment in the President’s speech.

Our armed forces are charged with protecting this nation and with the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) any American who is willing to dedicate their life to protect and fight for this country will have the opportunity to do so. In forcefully advocating for this new national position, a strong signal has been sent to the world that the United States, after almost two decades of institutionalizing a degrading policy, is living up to that familiar American value: all are created equal.

In considering this change of Federal policy, Congress should keep two constants at the forefront of deliberation. First, by repealing this policy, the needs of our military are served immensely better and expanded. Hundreds of specialists who are vitally needed have been fired from the U.S. military under “don’t ask/don’t tell.” As the Commander and Chief, the President is offering the nation a security improvement by increasing the capacity and resources of the armed forces. Second, we as a nation have before us an opportunity to prove once again that the status quo—as history has continually shown us in our own past—is subject to constant evolution for the better.

Public opinion reflects this shift in national attitude. Those who favor equal military service rights have significantly increased over the last two decades while the number who oppose is lessening by an even larger margin. The geographical region showing the largest shift in opinion is the South, where a majority now supports equal service rights for all Americans.

Amidst this positive tide of change, some opponents still maintain that gay and lesbian persons forced out of the military comprise just a small percentage of the armed forces. They also maintain that military personnel who are reluctant to serve with gays and lesbians will leave the service. The fact of the matter is that with education and experience knowing LGBT persons, the few who have this opinion can change. Gays and lesbians aren’t a threat to anyone and care about their country and living their life just like anyone else. Public opinion surveys show that within the last 5-10 years, for example, nearly 30% more people have become more accepting. And with respect to “don’t ask/don’t tell,” a vast majority of the country would not change their opinion on repealing it even if the U.S. military were opposed to open service by gays and lesbians.

Some opponents have also fabricated scenarios about increased military costs based on sexual orientation and that the military can “get by” without recruiting gay and lesbian Americans—claims based on nothing more than a resounding ignorance of fact. In truth, the American people currently spend millions of dollars to enforce “don’t ask/don’t tell,” a policy that is outdated and doesn’t serve to enhance our security. The elimination of the “don’t ask/don’t tell” policy shows the strength of the United States to expand democracy further into its legal and military muscle.

Visit "Repeal DADT Now," and learn how to advance this movement.