In a landmark vote for gay rights, the Senate has voted to overturn the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy
WASHINGTON D.C. -- The vote Saturday afternoon was 65-to-31. The bill now goes to President Barack Obama who says he looks forward to signing it into law.
This means for the first time in American history, gays will be able to openly serve in the military and acknowledge their sexual orientation without fear of being kicked out.
President Obama praised senators, saying, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" undermines our national security and violates the ideals that members of the armed services risk their lives to defend.
"We're going to be true to what America is supposed to be about," says Independent Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut. "We're supposed to be about not who you are, but how you do your job. Gay and lesbian Americans in the military will not be seen as gays and lesbians. They'll be seen as what they are: American soldiers and patriots. And when they do exemplary service in our military, they'll be seen as American heroes, who incidentally, happen to be gay or lesbian."
"We should welcome the service of any qualified individual who is willing to put on the uniform of this country, fight for us in war zones such as Afghanistan and Iraq, and put freedom on the line for us," adds Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine.
Under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," more than 13,500 service members have been dismissed since the policy was adopted in 1993.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he welcomes Saturday's vote to repeal the policy, saying once President Obama signs the legislation into law, the Defense Department will immediately proceed with the planning necessary to carry out the change.
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