Praxis II: Citizenship Education Content Knowledge Exam Prep

Answer - D - Gay rights organizations and activists opposed Clinton’s policy regarding gay soldiers in the military because the policy did not protect openly gay soldiers from discriminatory policies and harassment.

Key Takeaway: When Clinton was first elected, he proposed that gay soldiers should be openly allowed to serve in the military, but this met with great disapproval in Congress. Clinton changed his policy to one that has been referred to as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” under which gay solders did not have to openly divulge information about sexual orientation, nor were commanding officers permitted to pry or research the background of soldiers’ private lives.

This policy was-and continues to be-greatly criticized as a policy of mere tolerance. It does not actually protect the rights of gay people serving in the military.