JEFFERSON CITY, MO. (AP) -- Legislation allowing gays to serve openly in the military is moving forward without the support of House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton.
The congressman from western Missouri voted against the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy Thursday. The repeal was attached as an amendment to a defense spending bill.
Skelton says he supports a 1993 law that allows gay people to serve in the armed services only if they hide their sexual orientation.
Skelton says lawmakers "jumped the gun" by voting for the repeal before the Pentagon could complete a study on the affect of the policy change.
The legislation must be passed by the full House and Senate before it can go to President Barack Obama.
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