Ending ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ picks up support, but outcome remains in doubt

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Supporters of a bill that would allow gays to serve openly in the U.S. military worked to marshal the political support needed to end the 17-year-old ban known as ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’ but the outcome was in doubt.

Landmark votes in the House and the Senate Armed Services Committee were expected to come as early as Thursday.

‘This one will go down to the wire, and it won’t be over until the vote,’ said Fred Sainz, a spokesman for Human Rights Campaign.

A breakthrough occurred in the Senate committee Wednesday when Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, a conservative Democrat, announced he would swing behind the measure. His decision came after a provision was included that would let the military decide when and how to implement the change in personnel policy.

‘In a military which values honesty and integrity, this policy encourages deceit,’ Nelson said. Nelson’s announcement was soon followed by Democratic Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, giving the panel the 15 votes needed to pass the measure.

The bill would still face scrutiny by the full Senate, where 60 votes are usually needed to overcome Republican objections, and the House, where Democratic leaders were surveying party members to gauge support.

-- Associated Press