U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday gave his formal approval for gays to serve openly in the U. S. military, after requirements for repealing the "Don't Ask, Don' t Tell" policy have been met.

"Today, we have taken the final major step toward ending the discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law that undermines our military readiness and violates American principles of fairness and equality," said Obama in a statement.

"In accordance with the legislation that I signed into law last December, I have certified and notified Congress that the requirements for repeal have been met. 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' will end, once and for all, in 60 days-on September 20, 2011."

Obama said the action followed "extensive training of our military personnel and certification by [Defense] Secretary Panetta and [Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff] Admiral Mullen that our military is ready for repeal."

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" prohibits gays and lesbians from openly serving in the U.S. military. Last December, the Congress voted to repeal the policy, which was introduced as a compromise measure in 1993. But the ban cannot be ended before military service chiefs complete implementation plans for lifting the ban -- and they must certify to lawmakers that it will not damage combat readiness, as critics charge.

Source: Xinhuanet