Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced new guidelines on the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy restricting gays and lesbians in the military. The changes include approval of discharges by a one-star flag officer or above, information given by third parties must be given under oath, and confidential information provided to lawyers, psychotherapists, and clergy will no longer be allowed in support of discharges. In his remarks, he said he believes the modifications provide “a greater measure of common sense and common decency to a process for handling what are difficult and complex issues for all involved.”