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

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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