About “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: The Law

Read the statute that made discrimination against gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans the law of the land. Enacted by Congress in 1993, this statute codified the ban on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members.

The Statute Enacting "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harass" 10 USC Sec. 654 [PDF]

"'Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harass' contains exactly the same prohibitions on service by lesbians, gays and bisexuals that have been in place for fifty years."

What Is "Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harass?"

This memo includes a summary of changes to accession regulations in response to the implementation of the Homosexual Conduct Policy. It includes the regulations regardinf qualification standards for enlistment, appointment, and induction; requirements for briefing applicants on separation policy; and a section regarding restrictions on personal conduct.

Accession: DoD Regulations Implementing the Homosexual Conduct Policy [PDF]

This contains DoD directives regarding administrative separation policies for enlisted service members and regular commissioned officers. The regulations include definitions of bisexual, homosexual, homosexual conduct, and homosexual acts. The directives also outline procedures for establishing the discharge characterization and separation procedures relevant to the homosexual conduct policy.

Administrative Separation: DoD Regulations Implementing the Homosexual Conduct Policy [PDF]

This press release announces regulations to implement the DADT policy. The press release, from Secretary of Defense Les Aspin, highlights the five areas which the policy covers: accessions, separations, criminal investigations, personnel security, and military training.

Announcement of DoD Regulations regarding homosexual conduct in the Armed Forces - December 22, 1993 [PDF]

This memo, from the Secretary of Defense, provides guidance and announces changes to DoD directives relating to the issue of homosexual conduct in the Armed Forces. The memo indicates the appropriate DoD regulations pertaining to each of the five areas which the policy covers : accessions, separations, criminal investigations, personnel security, and military training.

Implementation of DoD Policy on Homosexual Conduct in the Armed Forces - November 21, 1993 [PDF]

Recommended Link: Stanford University Page on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"