A new CBS News poll shows that 75% of Americans believe gay men and lesbians should be allowed to serve in the military.
Only 19% are opposed to having gay or lesbian service members. That’s about the same percent of the country that believes President Obama is Muslim.
Interestingly, a smaller group, 64%, supports gay men and lesbians serving “openly” in the military. And among veterans and current service members, 61% support allowing gay people to serve.
The military is currently undertaking a review of how best to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, which forbids openly gay men and women from serving in the armed forces. The review includes surveying service members on how they feel about serving alongside gay people.
Their report is due in December, but some in Congress are pushing to repeal the law before then.
[Additional reporting by Evan McMorris-Santoro]