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About damn time! Find out when and what still remains uncertain after the jump.
Updated Thursday, 4:50 p.m. PST
The SLDN offers this quote and warning from its Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis:
“This Pentagon certification received by the White House this afternoon is welcomed by gay and lesbian service members who have had to serve their country in silence for far too long. The troops and their commanders are ready. Our nation’s top military leaders have testified that commanders see no significant challenges ahead. The official certification to Congress that the armed forces are prepared for the end of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ should go to Capitol Hill tomorrow with the President’s signature.”
STILL AT RISK: Despite the President signing the bill authorizing repeal of DADT, it is still unsafe for service members to come out until 60 days after certification by President Obama, Secretary Panetta, and Admiral Mullen. Click here to read our warning to service members.
SLDN FREE HOTLINE: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: 202-328-3244 x100.
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Original post
The Wall Street Journal reports that, "Top defense officials plan to certify Friday that the Pentagon is ready to end the ban on gays serving openly in the military, officials said, a landmark moment after almost two decades of controversy."
This still leaves the important debate on the benefits of same-sex couples. Will the military extend these benefits, even with DOMA in place?
"While the military will be free to provide some services to same-sex spouses," the article says, "such as family support for spouses of deployed service members, federal law blocks it from providing them the full range of health, housing and education available to heterosexual couples."
These is going to get really complicated and is just further proof that separate is not equal. Hoo-ah!
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