House votes to repeal ban on open gays in military
The House of Representatives has voted to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that has stifled the service of gays in the military.
The strong House vote to end the policy that since 1993 has barred openly gay people from military service shifts the debate to the Senate. There, Democratic leaders are trying to squeeze in a vote in the final hours of this session of Congress. President Barack Obama and others trying to repeal the policy are eager to get a vote this year. Their concern is that Republicans, who take over the House and gain strength in the Senate next year, will move the issue to the legislative back burner. (AP)
