Poll: 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Ends

Discussing their sexual orientation will no longer be a barrier for gay and lesbian troops serving in the U.S. military, and those ousted from service on that basis can now reapply, the Pentagon said Tuesday, the first day of Congress' repeal of the controversial law known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

The action won't change the day-to-day operations of the military, including working and living arrangements, officials said.

Since 1993, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" had allowed gays and lesbians to serve in the military so long as they kept their sexual orientation private.

"Today is not the first day that gay and lesbian Americans can serve their country in uniform. They have always served... But today is the first day they do not have to choose between serving the country they love and being honest about whom they love. All Americans can celebrate that," said Congresswoman Janice Hahn, who represents Hermosa Beach in the 36th Congressional District, in a statement Tuesday.

Patch wants to know your thoughts on the end of the 18-year practice: