[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
[January 29, 1993]
[Page 23]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 23]]


Memorandum on Ending Discrimination in the Armed Forces
January 29, 1993

Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense

Subject: Ending Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation in the 
Armed Forces

    I hereby direct you to submit to me prior to July 15, 1993, a draft 
of an Executive order ending discrimination on the basis of sexual 
orientation in determining who may serve in the Armed Forces of the 
United States. The draft of the Executive order should be accompanied by 
the results of a study to be conducted over the next six months on how 
this revision in policy would be carried out in a manner that is 
practical, realistic, and consistent with the high standards of combat 
effectiveness and unit cohesion our Armed Forces must maintain.
    In preparing the draft, I direct you to consult fully with the Joint 
Chiefs of Staff and the military services, with other Departments 
affected by the order, with the Congress, and with concerned individuals 
and organizations outside the executive branch.

                                                      William J. Clinton