<P> `` Do n't ask , do n't tell '' ( DADT ) was the official United States policy on military service by gays , bisexuals , and lesbians , instituted by the Clinton Administration on February 28 , 1994 , when Department of Defense Directive 1304.26 issued on December 21 , 1993 , took effect , lasting until September 20 , 2011 . The policy prohibited military personnel from discriminating against or harassing closeted homosexual or bisexual service members or applicants , while barring openly gay , lesbian , or bisexual persons from military service . This relaxation of legal restrictions on service by gays and lesbians in the armed forces was mandated by United States federal law Pub. L. 103 -- 160 ( 10 U.S.C. § 654 ) , which was signed November 30 , 1993 . The policy prohibited people who `` demonstrate a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts '' from serving in the armed forces of the United States , because their presence `` would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale , good order and discipline , and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability '' . </P>
<P> `` Do n't ask , do n't tell '' ( DADT ) was the official United States policy on military service by gays , bisexuals , and lesbians , instituted by the Clinton Administration on February 28 , 1994 , when Department of Defense Directive 1304.26 issued on December 21 , 1993 , took effect , lasting until September 20 , 2011 . The policy prohibited military personnel from discriminating against or harassing closeted homosexual or bisexual service members or applicants , while barring openly gay , lesbian , or bisexual persons from military service . This relaxation of legal restrictions on service by gays and lesbians in the armed forces was mandated by United States federal law Pub. L. 103 -- 160 ( 10 U.S.C. § 654 ) , which was signed November 30 , 1993 . The policy prohibited people who `` demonstrate a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts '' from serving in the armed forces of the United States , because their presence `` would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale , good order and discipline , and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability '' . </P>
when was do n 't ask do n 't tell established
when was do n 't ask do n 't tell established
February 28 , 1994
February 28 , 1994