Obama signs Don't ask, don't tell repeal act (11 images)

U.S. President Barack Obama, surrounded by lawmakers and bill supporters, signs into law the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, which will allow openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual soldiers to serve in the military, in a signing ceremony at the Department of the Interior in Washington on December 22, 2010. The repeal will take at least 60 days to go into effect, and has the backing of most of the military, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates. UPI/Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, hugs former Army Maj. Mike Almy while Army SFC Stacy Vasquez and USAF Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach look on after an enrollment ceremony for legislation repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on Capitol Hill in Washington on December 21, 2010. UPI/Roger L. Wollenberg

U.S. President Barack Obama, surrounded by lawmakers and bill supporters, stands after signing into law the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, which will allow openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual soldiers to serve in the military, in a signing ceremony at the Department of the Interior in Washington on December 22, 2010. The repeal will take at least 60 days to go into effect, and has the backing of most of the military, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates. UPI/Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool

Rep. Barney Frank, D-MA, speaks during an enrollment ceremony for legislation repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on Capitol Hill in Washington on December 21, 2010. UPI/Roger L. Wollenberg