Obama To End Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy

US President Barack Obama has said in a key speech to America's largest gay group that he will end the "don't ask, don't tell" military policy.

Mr Obama was speaking to America's largest gay group - the Human Rights Campaign - in Washington.

He has been outlining the progress he hopes to achieve for the gay community in the coming months.

Mr Obama had been criticised for the lack of action on gay marriage and the military issue.

A big gay rights protest march is planned in Washington for Sunday.

Disquiet

Mr Obama has been addressing thousands of gay and lesbian people at a fundraising dinner in the US capital.

   
We should not be punishing patriotic Americans who have stepped forward to serve the country
Barack Obama

Letting down gay supporters?

He said the US had made progress on gay rights and would make more.

On the military issue he said the US could not afford to lose those people who had much needed skills for fighting.

"We should not be punishing patriotic Americans who have stepped forward to serve the country," Mr Obama said.

"We should be celebrating their willingness to step forward and show such courage."

The "don't ask, don't tell" policy allows gay people to serve in the US military if they do not reveal their sexual orientation or act on it.

Mr Obama did not give a timetable for repeal of the policy.

The US president has repeatedly pledged to tackle issues important to the gay community.

But he has faced criticism for what many in the gay community see as lack of action on his promises.

One issue causing disquiet among the US gay community is the issue of gay marriage, the BBC's Rajesh Mirchandani in Los Angeles says.

Mr Obama has been criticised for not delivering on his promise to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which limits how local and federal bodies can recognise gay partnerships and determine benefits.

In many places in America, gay people enjoy a high profile, economic and political clout, our correspondent says.