President Obama says valor and sacrifice in the armed forces are no longer defined by sexual orientation.
Obama spoke Wednesday morning at the Interior Department, where he signed a landmark law ordering America’s armed services to let gay men and women serve openly for the first time. Surrounded by senior military officials and members of Congress, Obama said he is proud to sign the bill, which he says will strengthen national security.
The change won’t be immediate, however. The bill requires the military service chiefs to complete implementation plans before lifting the old “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy — and certify to lawmakers that it won’t damage combat readiness, as critics charge
Approval of the measure by Congress this month was a victory for Obama, who made repeal of the long-standing policy a campaign issue but sought to end the ban through Congress rather than the courts.
At least 13,000 men and women have been expelled from the U.S. armed forces under the policy.
Reaction from openly gay Navy veteran and Orlando resident Mark Cady: “I no longer feel that I need to promote myself as a gay veteran. The fight is over; we have won. I am simply a veteran.”