The US democratic-led House of Representatives has voted 250-175 to repeal a ban on openly gay men and women serving in the US military. Backed by President Obama, the bill is now on to the Senate for approval. Democrats who support repeal say that they they are confident and expects to get 60 votes in the 100-member Senate to pass the legislation.
The "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which came into force in 1993 which forbids gay soldiers from acknowledging their sexual orientation. The law is "the only law in the country that requires people to be dishonest or be fired if they choose to be honest", said Democratic Representative Jared Polis, of Colorado.
The Pentagon released a report which found that "allowing openly gay troops would have little, if any, impact on the readiness and cohesion of America's armed forces."
Source: www.bbc.co.uk ; oudaily.com
