Senate clears way for final DADT vote

The military's prohibition of openly gay people serving within its ranks is one step closer to ending, after the Senate voted Saturday to repeal the armed forces' "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

Eight Republicans and independent Joe Lieberman of Connecticut joined the chamber’s Democrats to back the legislation, which passed by a 65-31 margin. The bill needed a simple majority meaning support from 51 of the Senate’s 100 members to pass, CNN reports.

“I want to thank all of the gay men and women who are fighting for us today,” said Sen. Susan Collins, of Maine, one of several Republicans who voted for the measure. “We honor your service, and now we can do so openly.”

President Barack Obama will sign the bill into law next week, White House press secretary said in a Twitter post moments after the Senate vote according to CNN.

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