Santa Barbara, Calif.  – The following statement can be attributed to Aaron Belkin, Director of the Palm Center, concerning the Pentagon’s release of a Defense Department Directive that replaces “don’t ask, don’t tell” (DADT). The Directive is now official Pentagon policy, although its provisions will not be enforced until DADT is repealed.

“The Gates Directive outlines the future of openly gay and lesbian service in the United States Armed Forces. Secretary Gates’ new policy will replace and end ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ once repeal is certified and the sixty-day review period is over. This is an historic day for the Defense Department and a new day for gays in the military. There is more work to be done regarding some important details and clarification of the timeline, but this is certainly a moment to step back, take a pause, and salute the armed forces for a job well done.”