House passes 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/POLITICS/12/15/gays.in.military/story.dadt.repeal.gi.jpg caption="The bill passed 250 to 175 in a virtual party-line vote." width=300 height=169]

CNN Wire Staff

Washington (CNN) - The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to overturn the ban on openly gay and lesbian soldiers serving in the U.S. military, passing legislation repealing the controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

The bill - a so-called "standalone" measure not tied to any other legislative items - passed 250 to 175 in a virtual party-line vote. It now advances to the Senate.

The House previously passed a repeal of the ban as part of a larger defense spending authorization bill, but the measure stalled last week in the Senate.

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