Painting - Paint over stained wood

I would like to paint my entry door white but it is
stained with a semi-dark stained. my husband says that
we cant paint it until we strip it of all stain first.
Can we simply paint over the stain? Would some kind
of primer help?

thanks.

LaDama, Start by wiping around door knobs or anywhere grime is built up with some kind of degreaser. I use paint thinner and it would be great to wipe between sanding coats also. Sand with 220 grit sandpaper and I just mean lightly and quickly. Not attempting to sand through anything here just smooth a little. If inside and out go ahead and use an exterior oil primer on both sides. If just inside use Original KILZ. This is best done early in the day because it takes a while to cure and your door may stick and let dry overnight. Sand again lightly with 220, careful not to knock the primer off of the corners. Wipe dust clean and paint a time or two and enjoy...Mike