'Don't ask' repeal goes to Senate

WASHINGTON -- Legislation allowing openly gay people to serve in the military has cleared the House and now heads to what could be a tough fight in the Senate.

The House approved a defense spending bill that contains a provision to repeal the 1993 "don't ask, don't tell" law that demands that gays serving in the military keep their sexual orientation secret.

Senate opponents are expected to mount strong resistance, including filibustering the defense bill, when it hits the Senate floor this summer.

If it clears the Senate, the repeal would become law only after a Pentagon study on its impact and after the president and military leaders certify that the policy change will not affect the military's fighting ability.