Obama certifies 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' repeal

[JURIST] US President Barack Obama [official website] on Friday certified [text, PDF] the repeal of "Don’t Ask Don’t Tell" (DADT) [10 USC § 654; JURIST news archive], the controversial policy barring openly gay individuals from serving in the military. The repeal was also certified by newly sworn-in Defense Secretary Leon Panetta [official profile] and the Joint Chiefs of Staff and delivered to Congress. Panetta [statement] called the change "essential to the effectiveness of our all-volunteer force." Chairman of the Joint…