Today marks the end of a nearly two-decade-long discrimination policy for military personnel and the end of a legal struggle for too many Americans.
I have been a steady supporter for the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” and its backward ideas concerning the protection of our country. It would seem that Americans would want the best soldiers during a time of war, regardless of their sexual orientation. Thankfully, this might finally be the case.
As we approach the 18th anniversary of its signing by the Clinton administration, the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” is finally here. Although it was started by former President Bill Clinton in 1993 as a compromise to allow Americans to serve in the armed forces, regardless of sexual orientation, it could best be described as a stepping stone.
It allowed homosexual men and women to serve in the military without disrupting a unit’s morale. Referred to as the “unit cohesion rationale,” the argument stems from a testimony by Colin Powell in 1993. “Cohesion is strengthened or weakened in the intimate living arrangements we force upon our people,” he said. “Behavior too far away from the norm undercuts the cohesion of the tell.”
In the days leading up to the repeal, two prominent Republicans — South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson and California Congressman Howard McKeon — were fighting to stop the repeal. Thankfully, they failed.
Even more of a threat, however, are some GOP presidential candidates. Of those currently running, at least four would try to reinstate “don’t ask, don’t tell” if elected — Michelle Bachmann, Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich.
The fight certainly isn’t over. Gay-rights advocates like the Log Cabin Republicans have been campaigning for the policy ruled to be unconstitutional.
While there are people who want to keep discriminating against fellow Americans, that doesn’t have to be reality. Maybe, just maybe, this repeal will also lead to great social change. Perhaps the ability for homosexuals to openly serve in the military may be enough to help more people realize the insanity of denying these men and women their civil rights.
If they can die for our country, then they should be able to be their true selves and, for that matter, marry the person they love, just like the everyone else.
 
Zachary Davis is a 20-year-old history junior from Warsaw, Poland. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_zdavis.
 
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Contact Zachary Davis at [email protected]