President Obama marks a milestone today: one year since the end of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
“Gay and lesbian Americans now no longer need to hide who they love in order to serve the country they love,” Obama said in a statement issued today.
Gay voters are a major part of the coalition Obama is trying to assemble this election year.
First lady Michelle Obama also celebrated the anniversary of the end of the military restriction on gays and lesbians, tweeting out, “DADT was repealed one year ago today. Our country is stronger, freer, and fairer because of it. Just one more way we’re moving forward — mo.”
Here is the president’s full statement:
“A year ago today, we upheld the fundamental American values of fairness and equality by finally and formally repealing â??Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ Gay and lesbian Americans now no longer need to hide who they love in order to serve the country they love.
“It is a testament to the professionalism of our men and women in uniform that this change was implemented in an orderly manner, preserving unit cohesion, recruitment, retention and military effectiveness. As Commander in Chief, I’ve seen that our national security has been strengthened because we are no longer denied the skills and talents of those patriotic Americans who happen to be gay or lesbian.
“The ability of service members to be open and honest about their families and the people they love honors the integrity of the individuals who serve, strengthens the institutions they serve, and is one of the many reasons why our military remains the finest in the world.”
