12/22/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- President Barack Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 into law in a ceremony at the Department of the Interior Dec. 22.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said defense officials will immediately proceed with the planning necessary to "carry out this change carefully and methodically, but purposefully."
Comments
12/29/2010 11:17:18 AM ET @JC NY One question I assume by your comment that you are heterosexual. At what age did you choose your sexual orientation? Do you remember? I can hear your reply, I didn't choose I just knew. Well, guess what so does EVERYONE else. Gay straight Bi asexual. I am always amused and slightly incensed when heteros think that it wasn't a choice for them but it was for gays and lesbians. Wise up and think about what you are saying before you say it.
KR, SAFB
12/28/2010 4:31:47 PM ET Also in response to retired SNCO keep in mind that anyone can marry just for benefits. Gay men are certainly not the only people who have AIDS or are HIV positive and anyone who has either of those is just as capable as marrying somebody for benefits as somebody who is gay.
A1C, WA
12/27/2010 10:32:12 AM ET In response to the comment from Retired SNCO, what in the world does AIDS have to do with the repeal of DADT? Your question applies to anyone gay or straight who might marry someone with AIDS so they get medical. Why can't people just think a little more?
Joe D, Seattle WA
12/27/2010 7:42:49 AM ET SW is AIDS a service connected disability Smart guy. I don't care what they say gay is a choice you're not born that way. First everyone knows someone who is gay that has served and that is not the problem. Why now why during a war? Why when the country has so many other problems is this being a hot topic? Why when this affects such a small percentage of people does it have to be at the front of everything? POLITICS.
JC, New York
12/27/2010 6:32:50 AM ET This was done backwards because there are far too many underlying issues that should've been addressed before the actual repeal. Oh well everything always looks better on paper to begin with.
RB, FL
12/25/2010 2:33:44 PM ET As far as professionalism is concerned since I've always been attracted to females and have known it from youth I've always taken a professional don't flirt don't oggle approach at work. I am sure the same goes in each direction regardless of preference. Professionalism is all about focusing on the mission at hand getting the job done and keeping morale at its highest. All of those things can happen with these laws repealed. As far as showers go Best to simply keep showers private. A separate shower and change stall won't cost too much more for the physical need and it will cost oodles less by keeping the intelligent and skilled employees who happen to have a different preference that is simply exclusive to their own lives.
Besokster, SE NE
12/25/2010 6:13:41 AM ET I cannot believe the comment left by the retired Senior. I would expect a SNCO would never make such an ignorant comment. My response to you sir is.. Should we not allow any non citizens to marry military members what if there doing it for the benefits and citizenship? 1st of all you assume because they are gay they will have AIDS which in-itself is ignorant. We are the melting pot a country based that you can live the American Dream restricting anyone based on race sex or sexual orientation is ridiculous. These same arguements were made years ago when African American were allowed to serve.. then years after when the 1st female women were allowed to serve.. It's funny how all of our allies are able to let gays serve without issues but a country built on the foundation of Equality for All CANNOT
SSgt...., Hickam HI
12/24/2010 7:54:23 AM ET In the interest of always trying to appease people by being politically correct a hornet's nest is always being stirred.This politically correct action will be a costly bucket of worms for many years to come.Personally I would not re-enlist under these rules
Everett Rein, Illinois
12/23/2010 12:29:12 PM ET If a gay airman want's to marry another man who is a civilan will that person be considered their spouse and entitled to benefits? What if that person has AIDS and they marry just so that person can receive medical?
Retired SNCO, OK
12/22/2010 5:27:55 PM ET Do all the patriots who intend to drop paperwork rather than remain in the Air Force with un-closeted gays think that their new civilian job will offer them more protection? My fire team M-60 gunner was gay and everyone knew it. While some may claim there are no atheists in foxholes I guarantee no-one is looking at you as you move to cover. A bisexual atheist who's walked the walk.
JasonX, San Antonio TX
12/22/2010 4:47:54 PM ET Let the comments begin Only a few topics are a sure way to get over 30 comments...DADT PT test PT uniform ABUs. It's a fact look it up There are rarely comments on others. Let me get you started. For the against repeal side...i am getting out i am retiring no way this is good for the military housing issues shower issues UCMJ issues. And for the other side...finally if you don't like it get out you didn't want to serve anyway if this upsets you don't be a homophobe don't be closed minded equality and human rights this is the same as integration. Did I cover it all or does anyone have some new intelligent arguments for either side?
