In addition to allowing openly gay men and women to serve, the lifting of the Clinton-era law also puts a halt to all pending investigations, discharges, and other administrative proceedings that were begun under the policy. According to the Defense Department, existing standards of personal conduct, such as “those pertaining to public displays of affection, will continue regardless of sexual orientation.”Service members who were discharged based on their sexual orientation may re-enlist as soon as the law is lifted.
Like the issue of same-sex marriage in our country, there are many members of congress who oppose the lifting of the law fearing that it will lead to a break-down of military discipline. Supporters of the ban’s repeal claim
that having gays serve in the military will in no way effect discipline and they plan to hold “Repeal Day” celebrations across the country on Tuesday.