The first step has been taken to changing the hostile culture towards homosexuals in the US armed forces.

In a testimony to a Senate panel the highest US commander Admiral Mike Mullen said it would be the right thing to do to lift a ban on gays.

Homosexuality is taboo in the US armed forces, anyone who is open about being gay or lesbian is dismissed. In 1993, a no-tell law was introduced to replace an outright ban.

Last week in his State of the Union speech, President Barack Obama reiterated his promise to put an end to law which requires gay service men and women to hide their sexuality. A review is to be set up to investigate how best to prepare for repealing the law.

Photo: God bless our gay troops sign at veterans parade - Flickr/detritus