'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repealed

Thanking all men and women in uniform for their professionalism and patriotism while the administration moved to end "Don't Ask Don't Tell," President Barack Obama on Friday signed the certification that repeals the policy that banned gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen also signed the certification, confirming the U.S. military is ready to accept openly gay and lesbian service members.

The bill signed into law last December by the President calls for a 60-day waiting period, making the repeal effective Sept. 20. Pentagon officials say nearly 2 million military personnel have been trained in preparation of the repeal and are ready for gays and lesbians to serve openly in their ranks.

“As of Sept. 20, service members will no longer be forced to hide who they are in order to serve our country,” the President said in a statement released by the White House. ”Our military will no longer be deprived of the talents and skills of patriotic Americans just because they happen to be gay or lesbian.”

Friday's certification ends the 17-year policy that has been controversial since its approval in 1993. Supporters of the repeal say the policy was discriminatory. Opponents say the policy was necessary for military readiness.

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