Washington's moves to scrap the controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" legislation that forbids homosexuals from serving openly in the military is being discussed here in China.

The powerful Senate armed services committee voted 16 to 12 in favour of an amendment that would pave the way for getting rid of the law. The measure was tacked on to a larger defence bill and the House of Representatives was also expected to pass a similar amendment.

That will clear the hurdle for a full vote in the summer, which the measure is now expected to pass, and then it will be signed off by President Barack Obama.

Gay rights activists have long sought to repeal the controversial 1993 law, which has seen thousands of Americans forced out of the armed services since it was brought in under President Bill Clinton.

Supporters of the ban on homosexuals from serving openly in the armed forces say they will fight any change to the law.

Here in China, homosexuals are banned from serving in the military. So do people here think the China should follow in the footsteps of the US and start the process of allowing gays in the Chinese military? That's a question we put to people in today's Straight from the Street.