Executive Order 9981, President Truman integrates the armed forces

[MikeNearMcChord]

From Wikipedia
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the President that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin. This policy shall be put into effect as rapidly as possible, having due regard to the time required to effectuate any necessary changes without impairing efficiency or morale.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Order_9981

Click on here from the transcript from the Harry Truman Museum and Library
http://www.trumanlibrary.org/9981a.htm

Why cant the President issue an executive order to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation. And there was just as much outrage to the thought of integrating the Armed Forces back in 1948, yet Truman did it.

[WeDidIt]

1. Because it wasn't illegal under the UCMJ to be black

but it is illegal under the UCMJ to be gay.

So this requires an act of Congress to overturn.

That why DADT was an executive order and was as far as the president could go unilaterally.

[MADem]

2. Broadly, yes. Specifically: It's illegal under the UCMJ to "behave" in a gay way.

I'm talking specifically about sex acts, not engaging in stereotypical social behaviors often seen on sitcoms. The UCMJ addresses acts, not thoughts, attitudes, or orientations. That's why DADT includes that little bit about "not acting" on orientation while you're serving your country--it demands a vow of celibacy, in essence, on top of telling servicemembers that they shouldn't tell anyone about their orientation (if it's gay--that is the Don't Tell part) and people shouldn't ask servicemembers if they are gay (the Don't Ask piece).

You can be gay as gay can be in the military, so long as you don't act on your orientation and don't tell anyone that you're gay. It's really kind of a silly rule, but it was the best that could be crafted after the rightwing nuts went off the page about this issue.