'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal Certified by President Obama

摘要

Based on recommendations from military leaders, President Barack Obama certified to Congress that the U.S. armed forces are prepared for repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. There is a 60-day waiting period before the repeal goes into effect, so the law will officially come off the books Sept. 20. After that date, gay service members can be open about their sexual orientation. The president signed the certifica- tion and delivered it to Congress on July 22. Congress passed the repeal law in December. The legislation gave the military time to prepare the force and said repeal would happen only after the president, the defense secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certified the force as ready for repeal.