Obama Says Repeal of Military Gay Ban Strengthens U.S.

President Barack Obama signed into law legislation lifting the ban on gays serving openly in the military, repealing a 17-year-old policy and fulfilling a campaign promise.

The law will “strengthen our national security and uphold the ideals that our fighting men and women risk their lives to defend,” Obama said during a signing ceremony this morning at the Interior Department. Members of the armed forces make numerous sacrifices to serve, he said. “None of them should have to sacrifice their integrity as well.”