Reactions to the signing of the Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010

While there is elation at today's signing, keep in mind this cautionary note from Aubrey Sarvis of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network:

"We need the media's help to let troops know they remain at risk under the law even after the President signs the bill. The Pentagon just released new guidence that made clear "Don't Ask" may still be the law for some time to come. We respectfully renew our call for Defense Secretary Robert Gates to use his authority to suspend all 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' investigations during this limbo period. Until the President signs the bill, until there is certification, and until the 60-day implementation period is over, no one should be investigated or discharged under this discriminatory law. Certification and the implementation period must be wrapped up no later than the first quarter of 2011. The bottom line: for now, gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members must remain cautiously closeted."

The President would transmit to the congressional Armed Services Committees a written certification, signed by the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stating each of the following:

o (A) That the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have considered the recommendations contained in the report and the report's proposed plan of action.

o (B) That the Department of Defense has prepared the necessary policies and regulations to exercise the discretion provided by the amendments made by subsection (f).

o (C) That the implementation of necessary policies and regulations pursuant to the discretion provided by the amendments made by subsection (f) is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the Armed Forces.

After the President transmits written certification to the congressional Armed Services Committees, full repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" would be effective 60 days later.

Now that we have that important information out there, below the fold are reactions to today's signing...
From SLDN:

PRESIDENT OBAMA SIGNS "DEFINING CIVIL RIGHTS MEASURE" ALLOWING FOR THE REPEAL OF "DON'T ASK"

"In signing this bill today, President Obama delivered on a defining civil rights measure for our country and for gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members who have been silenced for far too long. Clearly, this is President Obama's Lyndon Johnson moment in history. A measure of dignity has been restored to thousands of service members on active duty, and to over a million gay veterans who served in silence. This historic moment is about those service members and their service," said Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran and executive director for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

"President Obama was decisive and forceful in steering the course as he brought along critical stakeholders, including the Defense Department. Now, it's on to finishing the job at the Pentagon. Troops remain at risk under the law. We respectfully renew our call for Secretary Gates to use his authority to suspend all 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' investigations and discharges during this limbo period. Until there is certification and until the 60-day implementation period must be wrapped up no later than the first quarter of 2011."

"This victory would not have been possible without several tenacious Congressional leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy. In the Senate we saw remarkable determination by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Chairman Carl Levin and Senators Lieberman, Mark Udall, Gillibrand, Collins and so many others," said Sarvis.

HRC:

Human Rights Campaign Statement on President Signing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal into Law

WASHINGTON - Today President Obama signed legislation that will result in the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT). Following the signing ceremony, HRC President Joe Solmonese made the following statement:

"Today gay and lesbian patriots serving their country in silence, and thousands more who wish to serve the country they love, can breathe a sigh of relief that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is on its way out. Soon, all service members will be able to serve with the full honesty and integrity the uniform demands. No more careers will come to an end because of an unjust law. 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' has weakened our military readiness and is now on its way to the dustbin of history."

"After 17 years of this failed and discriminatory law, a stain has been removed from our nation. This historic day would not be possible without the leadership of President Obama, Defense Secretary Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen. In the U.S. House of Representatives, we are grateful to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Rep. Patrick Murphy for their dogged determination. And in the U.S. Senate, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Sens. Joe Lieberman, Susan Collins, Kirsten Gillibrand and Mark Udall will go down in history as champions of this national security measure. Through their leadership, they have made our nation more secure and restored honesty and integrity as core values of our military."

"It's now incumbent on the president and the Pentagon to act expeditiously so that the final nail can be put in the coffin of this unjust and discriminatory law."

Senator Mark Udall:

Udall Hails President's Signing of Bipartisan Bill to Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

The U.S. Department of Defense is now tasked with implementing the new policy in an orderly manner that does not harm troop readiness, cohesion, recruitment or retention. Udall made the following statement:

"As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I watched with pride today as the President signed his name on the law that will bring an end to 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' There is more work to do, and I will continue to exercise my oversight duties to ensure that the U.S. Department of the Defense implements the repeal in a way that doesn't diminish the effectiveness of our military or the safety of our troops, especially as we continue to fight two wars. But in the meantime, Democrats and Republicans alike have sent a powerful message that never again will someone's sexual orientation preclude them from protecting our great nation."