Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

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

Acceptance of openly gay military enlistees surges to 75%

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 19, 2008 8:32 AM CDT

(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."

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.
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.
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.
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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Discharged Gay Soldiers Suing for Full Severance

Navy Officer, Partner Wed as 'Don't Ask' Ends

Panetta to Certify DADT Repeal

Half Military Now Trained on DADT Repeal

Senate Repeals 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne