Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, says she will support repeal of gay ban in military

Senate Republican to back repeal of gay ban

WASHINGTON — Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican considered a critical vote on the issue, says she will support legislation that would repeal the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

Collins is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which was expected to vote Thursday on whether to include the repeal provision in the 2011 defense authorization bill.

Some conservative Democrats on the panel have been reluctant to swing behind the measure because they want to give the Pentagon more time to study the policy change.

In a compromise worked out Monday between the White House and some Democrats, the Defense Department’s personnel policies wouldn’t have to change until the president, defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff agree that the military was ready.