The nation’s top two military leaders have voiced support for the first time for repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the military policy barring gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military. Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen endorsed President Obama’s call for the repeal during his State of the Union address last week. But in line with Obama’s refusal to issue an executive order, Gates said Congress would need to approve the repeal.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates: “The question before us is not whether the military prepares to make this change, but how we best prepare for it. We received our orders from the Commander-in-Chief, and we are moving out accordingly. However, we can also take this process only so far, as the ultimate decision rests with you, the Congress.”

In his comments, Admiral Mullen became the first sitting chair of the Joint Chiefs to support repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell,” saying, “allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would be the right thing to do.”