Meaning: The quote "I've said very clearly, including in a State of the Union address, that I'm against 'don't ask, don't tell' and that we're going to end this policy" was spoken by Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, in the context of the "don't ask, don't tell" (DADT) policy that was in place within the United States military. This quote reflects Obama's stance against the policy and his commitment to ending it during his presidency.

The "don't ask, don't tell" policy was implemented in 1993 during the Clinton administration. It was a compromise policy regarding the service of homosexuals in the military. Under DADT, individuals were not to be asked about their sexual orientation, and they were also required to keep their sexual orientation private. If a service member's sexual orientation became known, it could result in their discharge from the military.

Obama's statement against DADT is significant as it reflects a shift in the government's stance on LGBTQ+ rights and equality within the military. Throughout his presidency, Obama expressed his support for the LGBTQ+ community and worked to dismantle policies that discriminated against them, including DADT.

In 2010, during his State of the Union address, Obama reiterated his commitment to ending the DADT policy. This public declaration signaled to the American people, as well as to the military and legislative branches, that he was determined to follow through on his promise to repeal the policy.

Obama's opposition to DADT and his efforts to end the policy culminated in the signing of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010. This act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in December 2010. The repeal of DADT marked a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in the United States.

The repeal of DADT allowed individuals to serve openly in the military, regardless of their sexual orientation. This policy change not only represented a major step forward for LGBTQ+ rights but also had a positive impact on the military by promoting diversity and inclusivity within its ranks.

In conclusion, Barack Obama's statement against the "don't ask, don't tell" policy and his commitment to ending it reflects a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. His public stance and eventual success in repealing DADT demonstrated a shift towards greater inclusivity and equality within the military and society as a whole. The repeal of DADT stands as a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and serves as a testament to the power of leadership and advocacy in effecting positive change.