Sen. Brown Blocks Debate On Ending Gay Military Ban
BOSTON (AP) -- Sen. Scott Brown has voted to block debate on a repeal of the federal ban on gays serving openly in the military.
Brown's vote on Thursday comes just a week after he announced he was ready to support a repeal of the law, provided that the battle readiness of U.S. forces is guaranteed.
A spokesman for Brown said Thursday he has been clear that he would not vote to repeal the law until after the Senate takes a vote on a tax package.
The Massachusetts Republican had said he'd support the repeal after reviewing a Pentagon report, speaking with active and retired military service members and meeting privately with Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
Democratic Sen. John Kerry voted Thursday to allow debate on repeal.
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