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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    What's the Future of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell?'

    After decades of controversy, Congress recognized the right of blacks and women to serve in the US military, perhaps making the armed services America's most thoroughly integrated institution  – except when it comes to sexual orientation.

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    By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    After decades of controversy, Congress recognized the right of blacks and women to serve in the US military, perhaps making the armed services America's most thoroughly integrated institution – except when it comes to sexual orientation. While some states have legalized same-sex marriage, federal law says gays and lesbians can serve only if they're not "out." President Obama and Defense Secretary Gates want Congress to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the political compromise signed by Bill Clinton. John McCain and others see a threat to "combat effectiveness." We hear what a crucial Pentagon survey reveals about the rank and file. If it's not repealed in Congress, what about the courts?

    The full episode

    2 of 3
    'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Moves to Crucial Phase
    1. 0:00Charlie Rangel Walks Out of His Ethics Hearing
    2. 7:47What's the Future of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell?'You’re reading this
    3. 44:14US Plan Would End Combat in Afghanistan by 2014
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

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      Katie Cooper

      Producer, 'One year Later'

    • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

      Sonya Geis

      Senior Managing Editor

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      Karen Radziner

      Managing Producer, To the Point & Which Way LA?

    • KCRW placeholder

      Ed O'Keefe

      CBS

    • KCRW placeholder

      Aaron Belkin

      Palm Center / UC Hastings

    • KCRW placeholder

      Kieran Lalor

      Founder, Iraq Vets for Congress

      NewsNationalPolitics

    The full episode

    2 of 3
    'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Moves to Crucial Phase
    1. 0:00Charlie Rangel Walks Out of His Ethics Hearing
    2. 7:47What's the Future of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell?'You’re reading this
    3. 44:14US Plan Would End Combat in Afghanistan by 2014
    Back to To the Point