Obama, Pentagon Certify DADT Repeal; Gays to Serve Openly in September

President Barack Obama took the final major step toward ending "don't ask, don't tell" by certifying its repeal on Friday.

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  (Photo: Reuters / Jason Reed)
  U.S. President Barack Obama thanks U.S. Army troops for their service at Fort Bliss, Texas, August 31, 2010.

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Related Topics

• Homosexuality
• Barack Obama

"I have certified and notified Congress that the requirements for repeal have been met," Obama said in a statement. "‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will end, once and for all, in 60 days – on September 20, 2011."

In 60 days, gay and lesbian service members will be allowed to serve openly in the military, which conservatives argue will harm unit cohesion and retention.

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