President Obama Signs Historic 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal Bill

President Barack Obama today signed "Don't Act, Don't Tell" repeal
legislation to create a path for lesbian, gay and bisexual service
members to serve openly in the military. The Senate passed the measure
on Dec. 18. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, which was present
at today's historic bill signing ceremony at the Interior Department,
has been working in coalition with other groups advocating for the
repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"We celebrate this historic day, when our country has honored the
principles of fairness and justice it holds so dearly. This is a
tremendous victory. We thank all those who fought for and supported an
end to the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy - they truly are on the right
side of history. Seventeen years of witch hunts under this policy have
cost thousands of exemplary service members their careers, once again
proving there are very personal and costly consequences of
discrimination. This cannot end fast enough. Our entire country benefits
when fairness prevails, when qualified and patriotic service members no
longer have to fear being targeted by their own government, when
courageous men and women are able to serve openly and honestly. We thank
President Obama for signing this critical legislation and now call upon
him as commander in chief, and his top military leaders, to swiftly
lead us through to full implementation."

To learn more about the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, follow us on Twitter: @TheTaskForce.