Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ruled unconstitutional by federal court

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Last night, a California federal court ruled that the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy which prohibits gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military is unconstitutional.

Via CNN:

“Plaintiff has demonstrated it is entitled to the relief sought on behalf of its members, a judicial declaration that the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Act violates the Fifth and First Amendments, and a permanent injunction barring its enforcement,” concluded U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips, a 1999 Clinton appointee.

This ruling comes amidst Congressional ability to pass a repeal of DADT, something that the House has already done and activists are putting pressure on the Senate to follow suit. The court ruling is likely to be in the appeals process for a while, so the fastest path toward reversing the policy is still a repeal by Congress.

More information and a way to take action at the Service Members Legal Defense Network.

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