Lady Gaga has called for the ban on gays and lesbians from serving openly in the US military to be lifted.

Senator Harry Field has confirmed that a vote on the Defence Authorisation bill, which includes Don't Ask, Don't Tell, will be held next week.

The bill currently requires military officers not to question troops' personal relationships, as long as they keep their sexual orientation private.

Lady Gaga was joined by openly gay and lesbian veterans at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in Los Angeles on Sunday (September 12).

And in a post on Twitter today (September 14), she said: “Gay Veterans were my VMA dates. Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell. CALL HARRY REID to Schedule Senate Vote.”

The singer has long been an advocate for gay rights. In April this year she offered support to a school student involved in a row over a gay t-shirt.

(by Jason Gregory)