Defense secretary urges repeal of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell'

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is encouraging congress to act before the end of the year to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".

The Associated Press reported that Obama said he is simply doing what the American people want, stating that a large percentage of Americans are in favor of treating those who serve the country fairly and equally. A recent Gallup poll showed 70 percent of Americans in favor of repeal.

MSNBC reported that Obama and Gates are meeting opposition from the new commandant of the U.S. Marines Corps, who said that this is the wrong time to repeal the law, stating it would get in the way of combat effectiveness.

Many Republicans are opposed to voting on the repeal until the Pentagon releases its review of the impact on the military that repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell" might have.