DADT Repeal Bill Vote?

The Senate voted to allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military, approving a bill that repeals the policy of "don't ask, don't tell" on Saturday.

By a vote of 63 to 33, the Senate voted to end debate on a bill repealing the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, opening the door for a final Senate vote on the standalone repeal bill passed by the House Tuesday.

The Senate vote is a vindication of Obama's decision to push for congressional repeal as opposed to unilateral executive action, though activists note he could have done both.

When is the DADT Repeal Bill going to be implemented?

This moment in the Senate will take its place in the history books alongside other ground-breaking civil rights votes, and stands as an important reminder that as broken as our system seems at times, progress towards a more just and inclusive society is still possible.

Republicans previously blocked votes on the bill on procedural grounds. But with a major tax bill finished and a Pentagon study released in favor of repealing the ban, several Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the bill.

The measure won the support of eight Republican lawmakers, who bucked their party leadership and voted with Democrats to pass the repeal. They included Scott Brown of Massachusetts, Susan Collins and Olympia Snow of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

In a statement, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he will begin the process of implementing the change immediately. However, he said that certification will not take place before "careful consultation" with military leaders.