Noteboom The Law Firm

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Officially Repealed

December 30, 2010 - "Out of many, we are one." These were President Obama's words as he signed the repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell, which served to ban gay people from openly serving in the armed forces. Following months of legal maneuvering and arguments, the 17-year-old ban is finally over. Now it is just a question of how to make the transition as easy as possible.

The bill signing came on the heels of multiple recent courts' decisions, very careful legal choreography, and many years of emotional highs and lows. The signing itself was emotional with audience reactions ranging from tears to cheerfulness. The moment grabbed President Obama as well, who described himself as "overwhelmed," and commented on what a good day it was.

Repealing the ban will strengthen our nation's security. No longer will this country's military ask their soldiers to put their lives on the line to defend laws that, by their nature, go against the very ideals the military fights to defend.

Don't Ask Don't Tell remains in effect, for now. It will remain in effect until the military has been certified ready to fully execute the repeal. The President has promised the change will be as smooth and swift as possible as all the service chiefs are dedicated to keep as many things under standard operating procedure as possible.  

For this nation's sake, President Obama encouraged all those discharged under Don't Ask Don't Tell to reenlist. There is no reason for this country to suffer in being denied the skills of eligible soldiers because they're gay and with the repeal signed, it no longer will.