Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is more than a symbol of homophobia and discrimination; it’s a dangerous handicap to the American military. Gay soldiers, afraid of being discharged if outed, remain silent when they see serious injustices occur within the military. Their forced silence further institutionalizes a fear of authority that stifles healthy dissent.

Lieutenant Dan Choi, a linguist and Iraq war veteran, was discharged from the army under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell one year ago. He joins The Nation to discuss his recent arrest and how restricting protest is just another way to suppress freedom of speech.

—Anna Lekas Miller