Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, commented Thursday about President Barack Obama's statement during his first State of the Union address where he said he would work with Congress and the military to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" prohibits gay and lesbian individuals to serve openly in the military.

"In a historic first, the nation finally has a commander in chief who is calling for all men and women serving our country in uniform to be treated fairly and with dignity," Romero said. "It is gratifying to hear President Obama call for the repeal of the un-American and discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy. For the better part of two decades, lesbian and gay Americans have been denied the right to live their lives openly as they serve in their country's military. This policy is unacceptable in a country where we value the equal treatment of all Americans. A soldier's sexual orientation should never outweigh his or her record and performance. Congress must now act swiftly to repeal this shameful policy."