Congress, take note:

A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Tuesday indicates that 78 percent of the public supports allowing openly gay people to serve in the military, with one in five opposed.

“Support is widespread, even among Republicans. Nearly six in ten Republicans favor allowing openly gay individuals to serve in the military,” says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. “There is a gender gap, with 85 percent of women and 71 percent of men favoring the change, but support remains high among both groups.”

And congressional leaders aren’t sure if they can get the votes to repeal the discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. It’s another stark example of Washington politicians lagging far behind their constituents when it comes to gay rights.