LOS ANGELES– Palm Center Director Aaron Belkin released the following statement today on the imminent certification by the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the Pentagon is ready for the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

“Today, U.S. military leaders set a new, global standard by saying to every military that still bans openly gay service that ‘repeal is no big deal.’  In doing so, our military leaders are confirming the lessons of the British and Australian forces: openly gay service is a non-event and military readiness is improved when service members are not forced to lie in order to serve their country. Given the size, strength and reach of the U.S. military, the global standard for military forces and for equality has been raised.”