Priorities. Update to this previous story.
President Obama commemorated the five-year anniversary of the lifting of the ban on gays serving in the military by saying he’s received “hundreds” of letters from previously closeted troops.
Obama signed legislation repealing the policy on Dec. 22, 2010, and he said the policy that prohibited gays from openly serving in the military “wasn’t just about living up to our ideals.”
“As commander in chief, I have no greater responsibility than keeping Americans safe. And when it comes to defending our country, we need to draw on the talents of every American — regardless of sexual orientation.”
Obama then ticked off progress his administration has made toward LGBT equality, including the landmark Supreme Court decision allowing gays to marry and expansion of the Violence Against Women Act to protect LGBT victims.