JOIN US Fulfilling one of his major campaign promise, Obama said this law will strengthen the national security and uphold the ideals that its fighting men and women risk their lives to defend.
“No longer will our country be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans who are forced to leave the military — regardless of their skills, no matter their bravery or their zeal, no matter their years of exemplary performance — because they happen to be gay,” Obama said.
Last week, the Senate had repealed the 1993 “Don’t ask Don’t tell”, which requires gays to keep quiet about their sexual orientation or face discharge.
By repealing ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’, the US is taking a big step toward fostering justice, fairness and consideration, Vice-President Joe Biden said.
The existing policy actually weakens America’s national security, diminished its ability to have military readiness and violates a fundamental American principle of fairness and equality, he said.
“Today we’re marking a historic milestone, but also the culmination of two of the most productive years in the history of Congress, in no small part because of their leadership. And so we are very grateful to them,” Obama said in his remarks on the occasion. The old policy remains in effect until Defence Secretary Robert Gates, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, and Obama certifies military’s readiness to implement the repeal, and it’s especially important for service members to remember that, Obama said.