As this press release from the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network explains, “President Obama, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, formally issued their certification to the Armed Services committees of both houses of Congress, signifying that the military is ready for the transition. In 60 days, as prescribed in the law passed by Congress and signed by the President last December, repeal will be final.” The law will be off the books on September 20, 2011.
Update:
Reactions are pouring in…
@SenGillibrand: Thrilled that #DADT repeal has been certified! Putting this corrosive policy behind us will strengthen America both militarily & morally.
HRC: “For far too long, the ban on openly gay service members has harmed our security and tarnished our values. The President’s certification of repeal is a monumental step, not just for those forced to lie in order to serve, but for all Americans who believe in fairness and equality.”
@MarkUdall: Landmark day for #LGBT service members & enhancing our nat’l security. Military certifying repeal means end to #DADT is close.
President Obama: “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….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.”
Update:
Obama’s signature on the certification letter:
Update:
Obama signing certification:
