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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, plans to vote in favor of a law that would repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that prevents gays from serving openly in the military.
Matheson said Thursday he is voting for a proposed amendment to the 2011 Defense Authorization Bill (HR 5136) that repeals the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy.
"Anyone who is willing to put on this country's uniform and put his or her life on the line to protect our freedoms deserves our respect and should not be subject to discrimination," Matheson said. "Repealing this flawed policy is an important way for us to show that respect."
The vote is scheduled for Thursday.
President Obama promised during his campaign to eliminate the Clinton-era policy. The amendment is supported by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen.
Democrats reached a deal with military leaders to repeal the law, while not implementing the change until Defense Secretary Robert Gates completes a study about how it would impact the military. That's slated for release in December.
Utah's four Republicans say that study should have been completed before the vote.
