Brody's Notes... President Obama Signs DADT Repeal Certification

By Brody Levesque | WASHINGTON D. C. -- President Barack Obama has formally signed the certification that repeals the ban on gays serving openly in the military.

A White House official acknowledged that the president signed the certification late this afternoon after meeting in the Oval Office with Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Admiral Mike Mullen, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman.

As laid out in the legislation passed by Congress and signed by the president last December, the repeal will take effect 60 days from now ending the 17-year-old "don't ask don't tell" policy.

Human Rights Campaign spokesman Michael Cole-Schwartz in a press release wrote:

After hearing from senior military leaders that repeal posed no threat to the armed forces, President Obama certified the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” His signature of the certification sets in motion the open service of lesbian, gay and bisexual troops. The certification step was part of the legislation he signed in December and now after a 60 day period built into the law, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will be a relic of the past.

HRC President Joe Solmonese released the following statement:

“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.

“There are many people who brought this historic day to fruition starting with the President’s tremendous leadership and the steadfast allies in Congress who refused to give in to the lies and fear mongering. Additionally we thank all of the brave men and women who have continued to wear the uniform under a policy that forced them to hide who they are. The end of that shameful time is thankfully near.”