Don't Ask, Don't Tell Ends Sept. 20

Supporters and opponents of Don't Ask, Don't Tell won't have to pay attention to the dizzying back-and-forth court developments anymore: The ban on gays in the military will end on Sept. 20, reports Politico. President Obama certified the repeal today after the Pentagon brass—including new defense chief Leon Panetta—signed off on it yesterday. DADT will be formally lifted after a 60-day wait period.

“Our military will no longer be deprived of the talents and skills of patriotic Americans just because they happen to be gay or lesbian,” said Obama. The gay blog Towleroad rounds up reaction here. "This step is nothing short of historic," says the executive director of Servicemembers United. (More Don't Ask, Don't Tell stories.)