The role of gays in the U.S. military has been controversial. Since it officially ended racial segregation in its ranks in 1948, the American military has generally been ahead of the rest of the country in integrating women and minorities in its ranks. It has been less willing to accept openly gay soldiers; however, developments in the broader society have influenced policy in the military.

Polls indicate that more than 70 percent of Americans favor equal rights for gays and lesbians. In contrast, the military has been reluctant to discuss the issue openly. Its official policy, called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", tolerates homosexuals in the military only as long as their sexual orientation is not made public.

Historically, military policy on homosexuality has consisted of legal restrictions and administrative regulations. Despite its periodic efforts to ban sodomy, including then-Assistant...