The United States' Senate is making a landmark vote for gay rights on Saturday, and could pass legislation overturning the military's ban on openly gay troops. President Barack Obama says it's time to close this chapter in U.S. history.

Repeal would mean that, for the first time in American history, gays would be openly accepted by the military and could acknowledge their sexual orientation without fear of being kicked out.

More than 13,500 service members have been dismissed under the 1993 law known as "don't ask, don't tell." The rule requires gay service men and women to hide their sexual identity. A 63-33 test vote earlier Saturday by senators paved the way for passage of the legislation, and a final vote will come later in the day.