Federal Judge Orders End to ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

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Federal Judge Orders End to ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

U.S. Army / Mike Strasser

We might finally see the end of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” as the U.S. military’s controversial policy about homosexuality among its ranks took another big legal hit Tuesday from U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips of California, who ordered the military to put a halt to any actions having to do with the policy, anywhere around the world. —KA

CNN:

U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips’ permanent worldwide injunction—praised by gay rights organizations—orders the military “immediately to suspend and discontinue any investigation, or discharge, separation, or other proceeding, that may have been commenced” under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

The judge, a Clinton appointee based in the Central District of California, previously ruled that the policy regarding gays serving in the military violated service members’ Fifth Amendment rights to due process and freedom of speech, but had delayed issuing the injunction.

The military was sued by Log Cabin Republicans, a gay rights group.

Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler would say only that the department is “reviewing the ruling.” The department has 60 days to appeal, but is not required to do so.

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By christian96, October 14, 2010 at 11:35 am Link to this comment

RobertPuglia—-The following information is classified “Top Secret.” Don’t tell anyone.

By christian96, October 14 at 2:43 pm

This is the Twilight Zone. We people
from truthdig.com are aliens. We come from planet
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more aliens with more color. Over and out!

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By robert puglia, October 13, 2010 at 7:19 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

christian96, your take on sodomy is as illustrative
of onanism.
it was a judge, not congress, who put the scotch on
dadt. indeed, congress is abusing you shamelessly,
and why not? should you complain about, or even
notice congress have abdicated their responsibility,
surrendered completely to money interests, they know
they can always distract you with just the mention
homosexuality.
i contend an ignorant electorate is more dangerous
to society than sex.

Report this

By phidipides, October 13, 2010 at 10:06 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

Definition of SODOMY
: anal or oral copulation with a member of the same or opposite sex; also : copulation with an animal
Merriam-Webster

Definition of Sodomy, as defined by criminal statutes:

ANY same sex touching.

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By altara, October 13, 2010 at 8:48 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Should the decision be left up to the courts? It is tempting to let the decision stand. The court is right (although who knows what this Supreme Court would decide) and this bad policy could end now rather than await military action after the useless study is completed. “Study” - Unnecessary since members of the military have served with gays for decades.

But best not to let this supposedly momentous issue be decided by the courts. After all the procrastination by President Obama and military chiefs, this policy should be ended by these men and Congress.

homer http://www.altara.blogspot.com

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By christian96, October 13, 2010 at 6:58 am Link to this comment

Definition of SODOMY
: anal or oral copulation with a member of the same or opposite sex; also : copulation with an animal
Merriam-Webster

Do you think Congress is committing SODOMY against
the American people?

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By Allan Krueger, October 13, 2010 at 6:52 am Link to this comment

DADT is, at minimum, the silliest policy ever enacted by the US Military! Of course, it is OK for homosexuals to fight and DIE for the various trumped up causes used to continue perpetual war, as long as they don’t admit their sexual preferences…

FUBAR to all the religious nut jobs / NeoCONs who are upset by this ruling!

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By Rigor, October 13, 2010 at 4:29 am Link to this comment

A member of the military committed to his/her
service knows that combat is their primary function,
and whatever their preferred sexual habits may be it
is not an issue - dadt was a way to sideline this
non-issue for ALL concerned, but once again the
illegal-in-chief found a progressive judge out in
cali to impose a narrow view on the will of the
whole. These are people who would outright poop
their pants in a combat zone and wouldn’t get
through the first week of basic training without
crying for mommy.
Frankly folks, when the rounds are inbound nobody
gives a flying fornication if the guy (or gal) next
to them is a pitcher or a catcher, their just glad
they’re there, putting rounds down range like anyone
else.

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By godistwaddle, October 13, 2010 at 1:55 am Link to this comment

If our gay compatriots like this, good.

I’ve always seen DADT as a way for a soldier who is not committed to mercenary thuggery, murdering and being murdered in two wars based on the lies of two presidents, to say, “Hey, Colonel, sir, I’m gay. WHere’s my ticket home?”

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By Orlando Hawkins, October 12, 2010 at 8:16 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)

This is actually a good thing. About time. It is great to see that people realize that sometimes moral values and justice are the greatest critics to law/legality. People really need to start opening their minds. It should be common sense to know that an individual has the free-will and liberty to be in a relationship with whoever they want. Its funny how these homophobes do not make a big deal about Lindsey Lohan having a girlfriend and being open about her sexual preference but when it comes to Bob & Dillon or Cindy & Sara these same people want to bring god and morality into the picture. The rest of the world, please WAKE UP!!!!

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