Proposal moves up a vote on gays in military

By PHILIP ELLIOTT Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Gay rights groups are urging quick congressional approval of a proposal to repeal the ban on gays serving openly in the military while allowing the Pentagon to continue its review of how to implement the new policy.

Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Patrick Murphy - an Iraq war veteran - is expected to introduce the legislative proposal Tuesday. A vote could come as early as Thursday.

The White House had hoped lawmakers would delay action until Pentagon officials had completed their study so Democrats would not face criticism they had moved too quickly or too far ahead of public opinion in this election year.

A recent Gallup poll found 70 percent of Americans favor allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly.