U.S. President Barack Obama (C) hugs Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid before signing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 into law at the U.S. Department of Interior in Washington, December 22, 2010. Obama on Wednesday signed a landmark law to allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the U.S. military for the first time, but it could be many months before a move some top officers warn may endanger troops will finally take effect. REUTERS/Larry Downing (UNITED STATES – Tags: POLITICS MILITARY)