Jackson Free Press

Gay-rights activists gained a victory Saturday when the U.S. Senate passed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act allowing gays to serve openly in the military.

The bill passed 65 to 31, with eight Republican senators voting in its favor. Mississippi Republican Sens. Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran voted against the bill. The repeal now awaits President Barack Obama's signature.

The repeal gives the military control to implement the change, stipulating that it can only occur after the president, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Congress certify the military is ready. After certification, it will take 60 days for the law to take effect.

The non-partisan government watchdog agency Servicemembers Legal Defense Network reports that since 1993, more than 14,000 service members have been fired under Don't Ask, Don't Tell.