It's About Fucking Time...

Earlier this afternoon, President Obama signed the certified repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell.  Although the measure was signed into law with the best of intentions nearly 18 years ago, the repeal of this flawed set of regulations is long overdue.  Implementation of the repeal will start immediately after a 60 day waiting period.

The president released the following statement regarding the certification:

"Today, we have taken the final major step toward ending the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law that undermines our military readiness and violates American principles of fairness and equality.  In accordance with the legislation that I signed into law last December, I have certified and notified Congress that the requirements for repeal have been met.  ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will end, once and for all, in 60 days—on September 20, 2011. 

As Commander in Chief, I have always been confident that our dedicated men and women in uniform would transition to a new policy in an orderly manner that preserves unit cohesion, recruitment, retention and military effectiveness.  Today’s action follows extensive training of our military personnel and certification by Secretary Panetta and Admiral Mullen that our military is ready for repeal.  As of September 20th, service members will no longer be forced to hide who they are in order to serve our country.  Our military will no longer be deprived of the talents and skills of patriotic Americans just because they happen to be gay or lesbian. 

I want to commend our civilian and military leadership for moving forward in the careful and deliberate manner that this change requires, especially with our nation at war.  I want to thank all our men and women in uniform, including those who are gay or lesbian, for their professionalism and patriotism during this transition.  Every American can be proud that our extraordinary troops and their families, like earlier generations that have adapted to other changes, will only grow stronger and remain the best fighting force in the world and a reflection of the values of justice and equality that the define us as Americans."

We've come a long way as a community in just the last few years.  I am so proud of this nation's more accepting views, and especially proud of the men and women that have been serving for their country in an atmosphere that was less than friendly.  They have been much braver than I could ever imagine.  Today is for you.  Below is a copy of the certification.