Pentagon Prepares in Case Gay Troop Ban Lifted

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says it is preparing guidance for the troops in case Congress votes to overturn the ban on openly gay troops.

Marine Col. Dave Lapan, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters on Friday that the guidance would remind service members that the policy known as "don't ask, don't tell" would remain in effect for at least another 60 days after the president signs it into law.

The repeal bill has passed the House and is being considered this weekend by the Senate. But the president and his top military advisers also must certify that lifting the ban won't hurt military effectiveness. After that, 60 days must pass before any changes go into effect.

Until then, Lapan says, service members could still be discharged under the current law.