Army Lieutenant Dan Choi and GetEQUAL co-founder Robin McGehee were among the 13 protesters arrested Monday outside the White House, CNN reported.

The gay activists handcuffed themselves to the north gate in protest of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the 17-year-old law that bans gay and bisexual service members from serving openly.

The incident occurred as Congress begins its lame-duck session, considered by repeal backers to be their last opportunity to end the policy before Republicans take charge of the House and increase their numbers in the Senate.

“Today, we have sent a loud and clear message to the U.S. Senate and President Obama that we expect them to make good on their promises to end this inhumane law this year, during the lame-duck session of Congress,” McGehee said in a statement.

The protesters shouted, “I am somebody! I deserve full equality!” as U.S. Park Police cut the protesters down from the fence and carted each away.

Choi was discharged from the Army last year after he announced that he is gay on MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show. He reenlisted as an openly gay man last month during the brief 8-day window that the Pentagon was barred from enforcing the policy by court order.

Choi, McGehee and three of the activists have previously been arrested for the same act of civil disobedience.