WASHINGTON--President Obama on Friday signed legislation repealing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell law banning gays from openly serving in the military. "No longer will tens of thousands of Americans in uniform be asked to live a lie," Obama said at the signing ceremony.

Said Vice President Biden: "It is, both morally and militarily, simply the right thing to do, and it's particularly important that this result was fully supported by those within the military who are charged with implementing it.

Said Obama, "This morning I am proud to sign a law that will bring an end to "don't ask, don't tell." It is a law -- this law I'm about to sign will strengthen our national security and uphold the ideals that our fighting men and women risk their lives to defend. No longer will our country be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans who are forced to leave the military, regardless of their skills, no matter their bravery or their zeal, no matter their years of exemplary performance, because they happen to by gay. No longer will tens of thousands of Americans in uniform be asked to live a lie."