At long last, it looks like the discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy may finally be on a path to repeal:

President Obama has endorsed a “don’t ask, don’t tell” compromise between lawmakers and the Defense Department, the White House announced Monday, an agreement that may sidestep a key obstacle to repealing the military’s policy banning gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the armed forces.

The compromise was finalized in meetings Monday at the White House and on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers will now, within days, vote on amendments that would repeal the Clinton-era policy, with a provision ensuring that any change would not take effect until after the Pentagon completes a study about its impact on troops. That study is due to Congress by Dec. 1.

Congressional votes on the repeal are expected to be close. Let’s hope our elected officials have the courage to do the right thing and end a policy that has prevented thousands of patriotic Americans from serving their country honestly and openly.