Lady Gaga has released a video condemning the US military’s controversial Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell legislation.

The law, originally introduced in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, bans gays and lesbians from serving openly in the US military.

It has come under the spotlight again ahead of a vote in the US senate next week, which could see it abolished.

In a presidential-style address in front of a US flag, Lady Gaga called for it to be repealed, and described the law as the “most serious prejudice”.

“I am here to be voice of my generation, not the generation of the senators who are voting, but the youth of this country,” she said.

“The generation that is affected by this law and who’s children will be affected.

“We are not asking you to agree with or approve the moral implications of homosexuality, we’re asking you to do your job: to protect the constitution.

“As majority leader Harry Reid said: ‘Anyone who is willing to fight for this country should have the same civil opportunities to do so as anyone else.’ It is my belief that no one person is more valuable than another.”

The eight-minute video ends with Lady Gaga unsuccessfully telephoning her local senators to urge them to repeal the law.

At present, US military officers must 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 last Sunday (September 12).

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)