The Department of Defense announced today that it is instructing military recruiters to accept enlistees who identify themselves as gay in order to comply with a court order to stop enforcing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
According to a spokeswoman, recruiters have been told to begin processing gay recruits, even if they acknowledge their sexual identity.
But they’re also being told to warn recruits that, if they say they’re gay, they could still face discharge if the order ending DADT is stayed, or a judge’s ruling that the policy is unconstitutional is overturned.
Recruiters, and military personnel in general, are also still not allowed to ask about the sexual orientation of a recruit or servicemember.
The Pentagon has also cautioned members against changing their behavior, should DADT be reinstated.
On hearing of the news, Dan Choi, a former lieutenant in the National Guard who was discharged under DADT and has become a vocal proponent of repeal, announced he would attempt to enlist in the Marine Corps at a recruiting center in Times Square.
A federal judge is expected to rule today on the government’s request to stay her injunction against DADT. Although she said she is likely to deny the stay, the government says it will ask an appeals court to grant one instead. It is also appealing her overall ruling that DADT is unconstitutional.
(H/T AP)
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