BREAKING: Senate passes repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell”

Sat, 12/18/2010 - 3:30pm | posted by Jason Pye

After defeating a filibuster attempt this morning by a vote of 63 to 33, repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” - the Clinton era policy preventing gays from openly serving in the military - passed through the Senate just moments ago by a vote of 65 to 31.

Eight Republicans crossed over to vote for repeal: Scott Brown (MA), Richard Burr (NC), Susan Collins (ME), John Ensign (NV), Mark Kirk (IL), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Olympia Snowe (ME) and George Voinovich (OH).

A recent survey from Pew Research showed that 58% of Americans support eliminating the out-of-date policy; public support for allowing gays to serve in the military has been over 52% since 1992. The results of a study conducted by the Department of Defense released earlier this month showed broad support among members of the armed forces in repealing DADT with 70% believing it would have little or no effect.

The bill now heads to President Barack Obama, who has been advocating for legislative action to repeal DADT. However, his administration has opposed legal challenges to the policy.

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  • Tagged: Afghanistan DADT Defense Don't Ask Don't Tell don't ask, don't tell Gay Marriage Gay Rights George Voinovich Iraq War John Ensign Lisa Murkowski Mark Kirk Military News Olympia Snowe Pentagon Richard Burr Scott Brown Senate Susan Collins War War on Terror
 

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