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Obama's day: From gay rights to arms control

Obama signs historic bill ending 'don't ask, don't tell'

By David Jackson, USA TODAY
Updated

Updated at 9:56: President Obama signed historic legislation repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that compelled gay and lesbian servicemembers to hide their sexual orientation.

At a ceremony at the Interior Department, Obama thanked "all the patriots ... who were forced to hang up their uniforms" because of the policy, which dates to early in the Clinton administration.

Obama said all the service chiefs are committed to "implementing this change swiftly." He said that one day, people will look back and wonder "why it was ever a source of controversy in the first place."

Obama said he hopes all those who left the service because of the policy will seek to re-enlist. And he encouraged all gays to consider service.

"Your country needs you, your country wants you, we will be honored to welcome you into the ranks," he said.

Updated at 9:36: Obama just signed the bill.

Updated at 9:35: Obama says he hopes all those who left the service because of "don't ask, don't tell" will seek to re-enlist. To all gays interested in joining the military, he says, "Your country needs you, your country wants you, we will be honored to welcome you into the ranks."

Updated at 9:32: Obama says he wants to speak directly to gays serving. "This is a moment more than two centuries in the making," he says. "Gay Americans fought just as hard, gave just as much, to protect this nation." As first to serve openly, gay servicemembers represent all who served before them, he says.

Updated at 9:30: Obama thanks "all the patriots ... who were forced to hang up their uniforms" because of "don't ask, don't tell." He says all service chiefs are committed to "implementing this change swiftly." People will look back and wonder "why it was ever a source of controversy in the first place," he says.

Updated at 9:25: The president thanks House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others for their help in passing the bill. He applauds the "courage and vision of (Defense) Secretary Gates, Adm. Mike Mullen" and others.

Updated at 9:20: "This morning, I am proud to sign a law bringing an end to 'don't ask, don't tell,'" Obama says. He says no one should have to "sacrifice their integrity" by lying about themselves to serve.

Updated at 9:17: Obama says he is "overwhelmed." He thanks staff and others who worked on the bill.

Updated at 9:15: Vice President Biden introduced President Obama, who has taken the podium.

Updated at 9:08 a.m.: Dignitaries including Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are gathering at the Interior Department for the signing of the bill that will repeal "don't ask, don't tell." The ceremony should begin in a few minutes.

Original post: When President Obama signs the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy this morning, the nation's first African-American chief executive is likely to hail it as another civil rights milestone.

"Gay and lesbian servicemembers -- brave Americans who enable our freedoms -- will no longer have to hide who they are," Obama said in an e-mail to supporters after the Senate voted to lift the ban. "The fight for civil rights, a struggle that continues, will no longer include this one."

The president will sign the bill this morning at 9:15 ET.

Supporters of the repeal warn servicemembers that the bill signing is not the immediate end of the policy -- the Pentagon has up to 60 days to adjust to the rules, so theoretically gay servicemembers are subject to the rule in the interim.

"The bottom line: For now, gay, lesbian and bisexual servicemembers must remain cautiously closeted," said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director for the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said that once Obama signs the repeal, Defense Secretary Robert Gates will set up "an implementation working group."

"That starts the process," Gibbs said.

Gibbs said he expects Obama to talk about "the nature" of the issue and "about why he thought, as many in Congress did, that it was important that this law be repealed."

In his e-mail to supporters, Obama said that lifting the restriction on gays in the military is a "personal" victory.

"I will never know what it feels like to be discriminated against because of my sexual orientation," Obama said. "But I know my story would not be possible without the sacrifice and struggle of those who came before me -- many I will never meet and can never thank."

He said, "I know this repeal is a crucial step for civil rights and that it strengthens our military and national security. I know it is the right thing to do."

(Posted by David Jackson and John Bacon)

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