"Today’s achievement is a tribute to all the patriots who fought and marched for change; to Members of Congress, from both parties, who voted for repeal; to our civilian and military leaders who ensured a smooth transition; and to the professionalism of our men and women in uniform who showed that they were ready to move forward together, as one team, to meet the missions we ask of them."

President of the United States
Sept. 20, 2011

"As Secretary of Defense, I am committed to removing all of the barriers that would prevent Americans from serving their country and from rising to the highest level of responsibility that their talents and capabilities warrant. These are men and women who put their lives on the line in the defense of this country, and that’s what should matter the most."

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta
Sept. 20, 2011

“Today, with implementation of the new law fully in place, we are a stronger joint force, a more tolerant force, a force of more character and more honor, more in keeping with our own values.”

Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff
Sept. 20, 2011

The pursuit of equality is fundamental to the American story, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in a video message thanking gay and lesbian service members and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civilians for their dedicated service to the nation. Story

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2011 – In their ongoing review of military benefits in connection with the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Defense Department officials have now identified a total of 14 benefits where members may designate beneficiaries of their choosing, regardless of sexual orientation. Story

Oct. 28, 2011 – On December 22, 2010, the President signed legislation that led to the repeal of DADT. The legislation provides that repeal would take effect 60 days after the President, Secretary, and Chairman certify to Congress that the Armed Forces are prepared to implement repeal in a manner that is consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the Armed Forces. PDF Document

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2011 – The official end today of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law reflects the American values that military members uphold, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today. Story | Transcript

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2011 – President Barack Obama today issued a statement on the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that had barred gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military. Story

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2011 – The law is passed, the studies completed, the findings certified and the service member training accomplished. Today, after years of debate and months of preparation, the Defense Department starts on a new footing with the repeal of the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that since 1993 has banned gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military. Story

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2011 – The purpose of this memorandum is to inform you that the law commonly known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), 10 U.S.C. Sec 654, is repealed and no longer in effect in the Department of Defense. PDF Document

The purpose of attachment one is twofold: 1) to provide the Department's Policy Guidance that will take effect on the date of repeal and 2) to inform the Military Services about the steps each should take immediately in order to prepare for the effective date of repeal. Additionally, the second attachment contains those changes to Department Instructions and Directives that will be effective on the date of repeal. PDF Document

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2011 – The repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law is slated to take effect tomorrow, a senior Defense Department official told reporters today. Story

President Barack Obama Signs Repeal Certification.

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2011 – The 1993 law that has banned gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military “undermines our military readiness and violates American principles of fairness and equality,” President Barack Obama said today in announcing he has certified that the armed forces are ready for its repeal. Repeal of the law takes effect Sept. 20, when a 60-day waiting period mandated by the repeal legislation runs out. Story

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2011 – Based on recommendations from military leaders, President Barack Obama has certified to Congress that the U.S. armed forces are prepared for repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. Story

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2011 – President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are satisfied the military can implement the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. Story

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2011 – All of the services and combatant commands have provided their input to the Defense Department in advance of the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law that bans gays from serving openly in the military. Story

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2011 – The Defense Department will comply with a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling ordering the government to stop enforcing the terms of the law that prevents openly gay service members from being in the military, a Pentagon spokesman said. Story

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., April 29, 2011 – Does a straight Marine have to live with a gay Marine? Can a Marine with a same-sex partner receive housing allowance? Will being openly gay affect recruitment, assignments or promotion? Story

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C., April 15, 2011 - The impending repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy will, for the first time ever, allow gays, lesbians and bisexuals to serve openly in military ranks. Story

WASHINGTON, April 7, 2011 - Two months into training to allow gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military, the leaders of all four services say implementation is going well – something they attribute to the caliber of today’s service members. Story

BAGHDAD, April 7, 2011 - As training begins to pave the way for implementing repeal of the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told soldiers in Baghdad he expects service members to take the change in stride. Story

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2011 – Training will begin shortly for experts in certain specialties and leaders as part of the plan for finalizing repeal of the law that bars gay men, lesbians and bisexuals from serving openly in the military, the chief of staff for the Defense Department’s repeal implementation team said here today. Story

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2011 – Pentagon officials sent the Defense Department’s implementation plan for repeal of the law commonly known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to the service secretaries with a March 1 deadline for their first progress update. Story