President Barack Obama has said every
American can be proud of the end of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.”
On Tuesday, the nearly 18-year-old
policy which banned gay and bisexual troops from serving openly met
its demise.
In December, Obama signed legislation
that began the process of repealing the ban.
“Today, the discriminatory law known
as 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' is finally and formally repealed,”
Obama said in a statement. “As of today, patriotic Americans in
uniform will no longer have to lie about who they are in order to
serve the country they love. As of today, our armed forces will no
longer lose the extraordinary skills and combat experience of so many
gay and lesbian service members. And today, as Commander in Chief, I
want those who were discharged under this law to know that your
country deeply values your service.”
“I was proud to sign the Repeal Act
into law last December because I knew that it would enhance our
national security, increase our military readiness, and bring us
closer to the principles of equality and fairness that define us as
Americans. Today’s achievement is a tribute to all the patriots
who fought and marched for change; to Members of Congress, from both
parties, who voted for repeal; to our civilian and military leaders
who ensured a smooth transition; and to the professionalism of our
men and women in uniform who showed that they were ready to move
forward together, as one team, to meet the missions we ask of them.”
“For more than two centuries, we have
worked to extend America's promise to all our citizens. Our armed
forces have been both a mirror and a catalyst of that progress, and
our troops, including gays and lesbians, have given their lives to
defend the freedoms and liberties that we cherish as Americans.
Today, every American can be proud that we have taken another great
step toward keeping our military the finest in the world and toward
fulfilling our nation’s founding ideals.”