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Brown Says Too Early To Repeal 'Don't Ask' Policy

Sen. Scott Brown says he can't at the moment support a repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy that bans gays from serving openly in the military.

Brown said Tuesday it would be premature to repeal the law ahead of a Pentagon report on the policy due in December.

The Massachusetts Republican said in a statement that he was keeping an open mind, but can't support moving ahead until he was confident that repealing the ban won't jeopardize the military's mission. Brown is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The White House and gay rights groups support a bill that would repeal the ban but also allow the Pentagon to continue its review of how to implement the new policy.

Congress could take up the bill as early as Thursday.

Full Text Of Brown's Statement:

It would be premature to act on a repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law at this time. The Pentagon is still in the midst of its study of the matter, and its report is due in December. For some time now, I have been seeking the opinions and recommendations of service chiefs, commanders in the field, and, most importantly, our junior soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.

I believe we have a responsibility to the men and women of our armed forces to be thorough in our consideration of this issue and take their opinions seriously. I am keeping an open mind, but I do not support moving ahead until I am able to finish my review, the Pentagon completes its study, and we can be assured that a new policy can be implemented without jeopardizing the mission of our military.

This program aired on May 25, 2010. The audio for this program is not available.

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