Washington - A new poll shows that 78 percent of Americans believe lesbians and gays should be able to serve openly in the military. The CNN/Opinion Research survey comes just two days before expected House and Senate action on a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal measure on the National Defense Authorization Bill.

"The momentum continues to build to remove the stain of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' from the laws of our nation," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "The vast majority of the American people agree with the President and military leaders that open service by lesbians and gays is good for our country. It is now time for Congress to act."

Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Penn., plans to introduce repeal language today that may face a vote on the House floor this week and the Senate Armed Services Committee may consider repeal during its markup of the National Defense Authorization Act on Thursday.

The full poll - conducted May 21-23 - is available at http://bit.ly/cZeZ63.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.