Government Sources by Subject: Gays in the Military

A digital law project at Stanford University concerning primary materials on the U.S. military's policy on sexual orientation, from World War I to the present.

The largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

"A non-partisan, non-profit, legal services, watchdog and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity."

Annotated select bibliography relating to the issue of gay people in the armed forces from Stanford University.

This selective annotated bibliography compiles documents made available by the federal United States government with regard to the policy of the United States Armed Forces toward homosexuals (2006).

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the Palm Center resulted in the availability of data on the discharge of military members by base and job category.

Historical documents and statement made to Congress are included in the appendix.

Section H in this Department Of Defense Directive (DODD) from January 28, 1982 and expanded December 21, 1993 describes when a member of the armed forces can be discharged on homosexual grounds. Section H starts on page 17 in the 1993 version. (PDF)

"Military Policy Toward Homosexuals: Scientific, Historical, and Legal Perspectives" by Major J.S. Davis (PDF)

The text of a speech on homosexuality in the military given by President Clinton which includes a statement that that a policy to not ask sexual orientation has been in effect for six months.

This law, commonly known as the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 contains section 571 titled Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the Armed Forces which was codified in Chapter 37, title 10 § 654 of the United States Code. Language protecting service members from questions about their sexuality is absent. The Act was signed and became law on November 30th, 1993. Section 571 of P.L 103-160 starts on page 124. (PDF)

This December 21, 1993 Department of Defense Directive updates the Qualification Standards for Enlistment, Appointment, and Induction to include the Provisions Related to Homosexual Conduct which became known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is a policy, not a law. The directive became effective February 28 , 1994.

This May 2010 Coast Guard legal brief states that the policy known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has been modified. The brief states that credible information is required before inquiries of homosexual activities are opened. (PDF)

Public Law 111-321, signed December 22, 2010, which authorizes the striking of section 654 from title 10 of the United States Code. Note that this strikes the law banning homosexuality in the armed forces, which negates the need for the policy known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". (PDF)

A sample catalog search in UW Libraries Search (RSS feed via Primo); be sure to look at the LC Subject information for each entry to find further leads.