Officials: Panetta to end military gay ban

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Pentagon chief Leon Panetta has decided to end the ban on gays serving openly in the armed services and certify that repealing the 17-year-old prohibition will not hurt the military’s ability to fight, officials said Thursday.

His decision, which was expected, comes two weeks after the chiefs of the military services said that ending the ban would not affect military readiness. Dismantling the ban fulfills a 2008 campaign promise by President Barack Obama, who helped usher the repeal through Congress and signed it into law late last December.

The move also drew vehement opposition from some in Congress and initial reluctance from military leaders.

Defense officials said the announcement will be made today.