Republican Utah senator Orrin Hatch said he would be open to repealing the military's ban on service by out gays and lesbians.

In an interview on MSNBC Wednesday, Hatch said members of the military should not have to lie about their sexual orientation. He did add, however, that he wasn't sure if he would be willing to vote to change the policy.

"I think a lot of people are concerned that if you do away with the 'don't ask, don't tell,' that literally then they'll come back and ask for special rights and preference and privileges that others don't have ... I just plain do not believe in prejudice of any kind."

He added that Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Adm. Michael Mullen asked for a year of research on implications of the repeal, which may be too long for some and not nearly long enough for others.

"I can see why people on both sides are upset," he said. "I just wanna do what's right."