A big step to be sure, but a lot of the ugliness of the central bigotry toward gays is still smoldering. There's likely a decade or more to go before the topic of gay rights is not a burning issue for the country at large.
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Obama signs repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell'
By Mark S. Smith AP
Fulfilling a campaign pledge, cheering his party's downcast liberals and striking a blow for what he sees as basic human rights, President Barack Obama signed a landmark law Wednesday that tells America's armed services to let homosexuals serve openly for the first time.
The president said in remarks preceding the signing that the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" will strengthen security and uphold ideals. He also said the government will not be "dragging its feet" to enforce the repeal and encouraged those discharged under the ban to rejoin the military.
So many gay rights and Democratic activists were expected at the signing ceremony that the White House booked a large auditorium at the Interior Department.
"This day has come!" said an elated Mike Almy, an Air Force major discharged four years ago when his sexual orientation became known. "'Don't ask, don't tell' is over, and you no longer have to sacrifice your integrity."
While the elation is real, Pentagon officials caution it could be premature, since the bill requires service chiefs to complete implementation plans before lifting the old policy -- and certify to lawmakers that it won't damage combat readiness, as critics charge.
Also, guidelines must be finalized that cover a host of practical questions, from how to educate troops to how sexual orientation should be handled in making barracks assignments.
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