Los Angeles – Associated Press has suggested that Defense Secretary Robert Gates could certify that the Pentagon is ready for the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” before he resigns, but that his endorsement is contingent on the approval of the Service Chiefs. According to AP, Gates “sees no roadblocks to ending the ban on openly gay military service, and if the top officers of each service recommend moving ahead on the repeal before the end of the month, he will endorse it.”

Said Aaron Belkin, Director of the Palm Center: “The fact that the Defense Secretary does not see any roadblocks to the repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ is very important. Although he is not quite saying whether or not he will proceed with certification before he resigns, this seal of approval is significant.”