By Matt Viser, Globe Staff

WASHINGTON ' Senator Scott Brown this afternoon announced that he would support repealing the military's 'don't ask, don't tell' policy, providing key support for those who want the military to begin allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military.

The Massachusetts Republican, following two days of hearings before the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that he felt comfortable that top military brass would implement a new policy in a way that did not hinder the ongoing wartime efforts.

'I accept the findings of the report and support repeal based on [Secretary of Defense Robert Gates'] recommendations that repeal will be implemented only when the battle effectiveness of the forces is assured and proper preparations have been completed,' Brown said in a statement.

'I have visited our injured troops at Walter Reed and have attended funerals of our fallen heroes,' he added. 'When a soldier answers the call to serve, and risks life or limb, it has never mattered to me whether they are gay or straight. My only concern has been whether their service and sacrifice is with pride and honor.'

Brown, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, could be a significant supporter for those who want to repeal the policy during the lame duck session. His aides made clear, though, that Brown would not support addressing a repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' until the Senate first dealt with taxes and a federal budget.

Brown had previously not announced a position on the repeal, saying in May that he wanted to wait on a Pentagon study of how such a repeal would be implemented. That study came out this week, and found that ending the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy would not harm long-term military effectiveness.