President Barack Obama vowed to end military discrimination towards gays, especially the infamous “don’t ask-don’t tell” policy. Obama admitted, though, that these policy changes, especially the gay military ban, he had promised since the campaign trail have not come as soon as planned.

At the Human Rights Campaign annual dinner, Obama vowed:

“I will end ‘don’t ask-don’t tell.’”

The US President also commended the patriotism of homosexuals in the military and condoned the military gay ban by adding:

“We should not be punishing patriotic Americans who have stepped forward to serve the country. We should be celebrating their willingness to step forward and show such courage… especially when we are fighting two wars.

He did not, however, declare a timetable or any more specific details regarding the military gay ban. Obama instead reassured the crowd at the Human Rights Campaign dinner that progress regarding the military gay ban issue will come:

“I appreciate that many of you don’t believe progress has come fast enough. Do not doubt the direction we are heading and the destination we will reach.”

Apart from the discrimination that homosexuals face in the military, President Obama also called on Congress to repeal the Defense Of Marriage Act. The act details and limits how state, local, and federal bodies can recognize partnerships and thus determine benefits. He pushed for a law to extend benefits to domestic partners which will definitely advantageous for gay partnerships and marriages.

Overall, Obama expressed strong and reassuring support for the Human Rights Campaign agenda. It seems that the president is unwavering in his resolve at ending discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people. Whether it be regarding the military gay ban or any other form of sexual discrimination, Obama stated:

“My expectation is that when you look back on these years you will look back and see a time when we put a stop against discrimination … whether in the office or the battlefield.”