Politics & Government

Senate Votes to Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell

Historic legislation passes with 65-31 vote.

In fulfilling one of his 2008 campaign promises, President Barack Obama was given the green light to repeal the military's 17-year ban on openly gay troops serving in the armed forces after the Senate made a historic vote on Saturday to upend the Clinton-era policy known as "don't ask, don't tell."

The bill is expected to be signed into law next week. However, changes won't be put into effect immediately. First, Obama will meet with top military advisers to decide if the repeal will hinder the military's ability to fight. After that, there will be a 60-day wait period before any changes occur.

In a statement following the vote, Defense Secretary Robert Gates clarified that DADT still remains in place for now. He also pointed out the importance of patience when implementing the new policy.

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"The Department of Defense will immediately proceed with the planning necessary to carry out this change carefully and methodically, but purposefully," Gates Said.

Last month, the Pentagon released a report which stated that allowing gays to serve openly in the military would have little impact on troop's ability to work together.

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Despite pleas from opponents of the bill, such as Sen. John McCain (R-Az.) -- a former POW -- and others, the Senate voted 65-31 to overturn the policy.

Before the vote, McCain spoke on the Senate floor warning of the possible dangers that repealing the policy could bring to service members.

"They will do what is asked of them, but don't think there won't be a great cost," McCain said.

Those opposed also argued that it would hurt troop's morale during the crucial period of wartime. However, that didn't stop eight republicans from reaching across the aisle to support the bill, including Sen. Mark Kirk. (R-Ill.). Two independents also voted in favor of repeal.

The milestone passage of the standalone legislation is a huge victory for gay and civil rights activists.

Since 1993, more than 13,500 service members have been dismissed under the policy.

It is also a triumph for Obama, who has been criticized as of late for trying to hammer through legislation during a lame duck Congress.

"Gay and lesbian service members -- brave Americans who enable our freedoms -- will no longer have to hide who they are," Obama said in an e-mail address to supporters. "The fight for civil rights, a struggle that continues, will no longer include this one."

With celebration also comes defeat for Obama as hopes of the DREAM Act being passed were stalled in the Senate.

"I am incredibly disappointed that a minority of senators refused to move forward on this important, commonsense reform that most Americans understand is the right thing for our country. On this issue, our work must continue."


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