Story perspectives

Today in History: U.S. military lifts ban on gay service

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 10:32 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On September 20 2011, the U.S. Department of Defense repealed the “don’t ask, don’t tell” rule that had barred openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members since 1994. The repeal, mandated by Public Law 103-160, lifted the ban, permitting LGBTQ personnel to serve without hiding their sexual orientation.

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Story summary

On September 20 2011, the U.S. Department of Defense repealed the “don’t ask, don’t tell” rule that had barred openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members since 1994. The repeal, mandated by Public Law 103-160, lifted the ban, permitting LGBTQ personnel to serve without hiding their sexual orientation.