The U.S. House of Representatives approves a measure to allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military.
The effort to repeal the policy known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is being spear-headed by Michigan Senator Carl Levin.
NBC25 spoke with those who support it and those who oppose it.
Michigan Senator Carl Levin says, "The policy should end." Levin says the current policy discriminates.
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays in Genesee County, also known as PFLAG, supports the house's decision.
The President of Genesee County PFLAG, Terri Dinsmore, says "This is a good first step into repealing that act."
However, Gary Glenn of the American Family Association of Michigan, who also served in the army, disagrees.
Glenn says, "Serving our nation in the military is not a right. It is a privilege, and it is simply outrageous that these politicians, many who have never worn a uniform, would vote to force the brave men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line to defend out country, to integrate, and live, and share showers and living facilities with people who are involved openly in homosexual behavior."
Glenn says there are health risks that heterosexual service members should not be subjected to. "We think it should return to a situation in which homosexual conduct prohibits services in the U.S. military service out of respect for the men and women who willing to put their lives on the line for us."
Supporters say, it's an issue of fair treatment.
Dinsmore says, "It is an equal rights thing. Nobody should have to hide who they are."
To become law, the senate would have to pass a measure and have presidential approval.
Those who support the measure would also have to show there would be no adverse affects.
Opponents say, it would affect the military's cohesiveness, readiness, and recruitment procedures.
