On 12 October 2010, the United States (US) District Court for the Central District of California, in Log Cabin Republicans v. United States, issued a worldwide injunction barring enforcement of the Policy concerning homosexuality in the armed forces, commonly known as Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT), ordering the US Department of Defense (DoD) to suspend investigations, discharges, separations, and other proceedings under the law. In response, DoD issued 15 October 2010 guidance allowing openly gay men and lesbian women to apply to join the military, while warning applicants that the legal situation could change if the injunction were stayed or reversed. On 20 October 2010, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit temporarily stayed the injunction, making DADT enforceable again.

In 2011, Don't Ask Don't Tell was repelled under the Obama Administration 6 years later a new executive order was introduced. Former President Obama allowed members dishonorably discharged under DADT, to receive a honorable discharge. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was repealed by the Obama Administration. Former President Obama allowed members who were dishonorably discharged under DADT, to receive an honorable discharge.