House Votes to Repeal DADT

In a 16 to 12 vote, the Senate Armed Services Committee passed a measure that could pave the road to ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the Clinton-era policy that bans openly gay men and women from serving in the military. Later, the House voted 234-194 for a Defense authorization bill that included the repeal of DADT. It marks the most aggressive step by Democrats in implementing President Obama's campaign pledge to end the policy.


However, no changes will be made until the Pentagon finishes a study about its impact on troops. That report will go to Congress December 1. The measure will next pass through to the Senate, which will vote next month. Despite apparent support for the provision, the heads of four uniformed services are urging Congress to wait until the Pentagon study is completed over concerns about its impact on the military's "readiness."


The push from Democrats comes as public opinion on the issue has changed dramatically. In 1993, 44 percent of Americans supported allowing people who are openly gay to serve in the military. Today, 75 percent support that idea, according to a recent Washington Post poll.


Any change is unlikely to happen before next year. Pentagon officials have said it could take several months after completing the study until they are prepared to fully integrate gays into the armed forces as they consider such issues as whether gay and heterosexual troops could be required to share housing and whether the military would be required to extend benefits to same-sex partners.