Obama Signing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal Wednesday Morning
- Associated Press
- Dec 22, 2010
Washington (AP) - Fulfilling a campaign pledge, cheering his party's downcast liberals and striking a blow for what he sees as basic human rights, President Barack Obama is signing a landmark law Wednesday that tells America's armed services to let homosexuals serve openly for the first time.
So many gay rights and Democratic activists were expected at the signing ceremony that the White House booked a large auditorium at the Interior Department.
"This day has come!" said an elated Mike Almy, an Air Force major discharged four years ago when his sexual orientation became known. "'Don't ask, don't tell' is over, and you no longer have to sacrifice your integrity."
While the elation is real, Pentagon officials caution it could be premature, since the bill requires service chiefs to complete implementation plans before lifting the old policy -- and certify to lawmakers that it won't damage combat readiness, as critics charge
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