On 20 September 2011, at 12:01 a.m., the repeal of the American military policy “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” took effect. The repeal statute had been signed in December 2010. Certification to Congress — that the armed forces were ready — was filed on 22 July 2011. 20 September is not the signing date; it is the legal effective date.

The policy, in force from 1993, allowed gay, lesbian and bisexual people to serve if they did not disclose their orientation. Disclosure or discovery led to discharge. The Pentagon applied it for more than a decade and a half.

The White House also published, on 20 September 2011, a statement by President Barack Obama: the repeal was in effect, and those who wished to serve openly could do so. The text is archived at obamawhitehouse.archives.gov. It is not a 2026 party press release.

The 2010 law required a 60-day period after certification. 22 July plus 60 days leads to 20 September. The calendar is administrative, not a made-up symbol.

Repeal did not settle every personnel file and was not identical to recognition of marriage in the military. It closed one regime. Later reforms came in other acts.

The defense.gov hub page is not the source. The congress.gov bill summary does not replace the presidential statement on the day of effect.

At 15 years, the anniversary is legal: an hour, a certification, a statute from the previous year. No slogans.

Image: Chuck Kennedy, White House — Barack Obama signs the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal, public domain.

Source consulted: Statement by the President on the Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.