Barack Obama · Democratic · Legislation
Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Dec 22, 2010
Barack ObamaCulture & SocialLegislationFirst term (2009–13)
📜 View the official record on federalregister.gov
What happened
Ended the policy barring openly gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans from military service.
How it happened
Repeal legislation signed December 22, 2010; implemented in 2011 after a certification process.
Documented impact
Positive impactsubstantiated
Allowed open service without harming readiness.
Pentagon studies found no adverse effect on cohesion or readiness; thousands could serve openly.
Mixed impactcontested
Opposed by some on readiness grounds at the time.
Some military leaders and lawmakers initially opposed repeal, though majorities of the public supported it.
Sources
Every claim above links to its source. Primary record and cited reporting: