The US House of Representatives has approved a bill that includes measures to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell'. The 1993 law prevents openly gay men and women from serving in the US military. The bill passed 229-186, with 26 Democrats voting against it and nine Republicans in favor. The amendment to the defence bill will repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" after the Pentagon completes a report on how the change would affect the military. For the repeal to go into effect, Defense Department officials will have to conclude the new policy would not disrupt military operations or hurt recruiting. The report is due by 1 December. The bill now goes to the US Senate for consideration, with a fierce battle over the lifting of the ban expected.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 29th May 2010 - 11:57am