Question

Which statement explains why Gay rights organizations opposed the policy adopted during the Clinton administration regarding gays in the military ?
A) It prohibited gays from serving in the military
B) It prohibited gays from serving in combat
C) It provided for segregation of gay troops
D) Its frank acceptance of gay soldiers endangered public support.

Answer 1

Hint: In October 1993, a law signed by the Bill Clinton administration with regards to the service of LGBTQ+ in the military became effective. The Bill directs the military to “don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t pursue, and don’t harass” and started to be known by the name” Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT)”.

Complete answer:
The aim of the policy of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) ”, was to lift a ban on the homosexuals from serving military and to prevent any kind of harassment or discrimination with such people.
However, due to severe opposition from Senate Armed Service Committee, military officers and political analysts on a potentially critical issue, the measure reached to a middle-ground with a condition that LGBTQ+ can serve the military only if they do not openly reveal their homosexual identity otherwise they would be expelled.
The policy was criticized by many high rank officers with a view that this might chip away the morale of the military. Further, many gay activists criticized the policy on the grounds that it does not result in total inclusion of LGBTQ+ in the military as they have to maintain the secrecy.
As per the policy the disclosure about the homosexuality may result in expulsion from the military. As a result, during Afghan war, many gay troops were expelled from the army due to openness towards their sexuality, even though many of them were Arab linguists, bringing the law under the scrutiny.
Hence Option C is correct. The law provides segregation to the gay troops and Option A, B and D can be eliminated.

Note: In December 2010, the House of Representatives and the Senate under the Obama administration revoked the policy which came to an end in September 2011. Obama's administration have made historic strides in broadening opportunities and paving ways for equality and justice for all Americans, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Americans.