The House of Representatives voted by a 234-194 margin late Thursday to repeal the controversial “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy toward gays in the military. President Obama said in a statement that he was “pleased” by the House vote. “This legislation will help make our Armed Forces even stronger and more inclusive by allowing gay and lesbian soldiers to serve honestly and with integrity,” the president said. The amendment to repeal the controversial policy was offered by Iraq war veteran Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Pennsylvania, in the House’s version of the defense authorization bill.

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