General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: On which issues has the Democratic Party moved to the Left since 1984? [View all]dsc
(52,160 posts)On DADT, Clinton originally came in wanting to let gays serve openly. He did that in every single other part of the US government by executive order. On the military, he needed Congressional approval since under the UCMJ sodomy was a criminal act. Further, Congress made clear that it likely had the votes to pass a ban on gays serving. DADT was a compromise which improved the situation. Gays would no longer be jailed for example simply for being gay in the military. If you don't know this then you should read these things called books starting with Conduct Unbecoming. If you do, and posted what you did, shame on you.
As to DOMA that passed with veto proof majorities in a GOP Congress. It also might well have prevented a Constitutional Amendment banning marriage equality which would literally have lasted forever.