CNN REPORTS:   The Pentagon is set to certify that the U.S. military is prepared to accept openly gay and lesbian service members, and that doing so will not harm military readiness, a U.S. official says.  According to the official, who spoke on condition of not being identified, an announcement of that certification — which is required to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy — is likely to come Friday.

UPDATE: 11 PM 7/22/11 – CNN REPORTS: President Barack Obama has certified that the U.S. military is prepared to accept openly gay and lesbian service members, and that doing so will not harm military readiness, according to the White House.  It was also certified by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen.  Under a bill passed last year that set up a process for repealing the controversial “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, all three men needed to sign the certification.  A 60-day waiting period will now begin before the repeal is fully implemented.

See other post today at: http://blog.beliefnet.com/watchwomanonthewall/?p=4780   entitled “In US Senate:  DOMA Backers, Foes Face Off at Hearing”