Washington (CNN) — President Obama said Wednesday night he will work with Congress and the military to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that bars gays and lesbians from openly serving in the armed forces.

The statement came during Obama’s first State of the Union speech, as he was extolling the importance of diversity to American ideals, at home and abroad.

“We find unity in our incredible diversity, drawing on the promise enshrined in our Constitution: the notion that we are all created equal, that no matter who you are or what you look like, if you abide by the law you should be protected by it,” he said.

“We must continually renew this promise. My administration has a Civil Rights Division that is once again prosecuting civil rights violations and employment discrimination. We finally strengthened our laws to protect against crimes driven by hate,” he said.
“This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.”

The issue has been a source of contention for heavy hitters on both sides of the issue, who have been lining up for a fight.

To read more, please go to http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/01/27/obama.gays.military/?hpt=T1

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