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Americans Now Favor 'Don't Ask, Do Tell'

Posted Jul 19, 08 8:32 AM CDT in US,  Arts & Living 

(Newser) – In the 15 years since the inception of the US military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gay servicemen and women, public opinion on the issue has shifted dramatically. In 1993, 44% of Americans said openly gay people should be allowed to enlist; a Washington Post-ABC News poll now puts that number at 75%.

That new figure breaks down to over 80% of Democrats, three quarters of Independents, and two thirds of conservatives. The jump was especially big in the latter group: In 1993, three quarters of conservatives opposed Clinton's proposal to lift the ban on gay enlistees. Among veterans, 71% say gay people should be allowed to serve, but only half support those who are "out."

Source Washington Post

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On March 23, 2007, college students took part in a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington. Democrats say the nation should be ashamed of its ban on openly gay men and lesbians serving in the military.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
In this Friday June 30, 2006 file photo, U.S. Air Force Reservist Maj. Margaret Witt, 42, of Spokane, talks after a hearing of a case challenging her dismissal from the Air Force for being a lesbian.   (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
In this March 26, 2007 photo, Andrew Chapin of New York takes part in a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, supporting legislative efforts to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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US military  • gay rights  • Washington Post ABC poll  • gays in the military  • Don't Ask, Don't Tell


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