Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is expected on Friday to certify the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, which would enable service members to be open about their sexual orientation in 60 days. 

Here’s a statement from the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, an advocacy group for gay and lesbian soldiers established after Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was implemented in 1993.

“This Pentagon certification received by the White House this afternoon is welcomed by gay and lesbian service members who have had to serve their country in silence for far too long,” wrote Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis on the SLDN website. “The troops and their commanders are ready. Our nation’s top military leaders have testified that commanders see no significant challenges ahead. The official certification to Congress that the armed forces are prepared for the end of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ should go to Capitol Hill tomorrow with the President’s signature.”

Read more from the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post.