Judge requests complete stop to Don't Ask Don't Tell policy

A Federal judge has instructed the military to cease and desist the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” or “DADT” plan. Part of the election platform of Bill Clinton had been advancing gay rights, and also the Don’t Ask Do not Tell law had been a reform measure for service personnel. If a gay or lesbian member of the armed forces never reveals they are gay, they can’t be discharged at all. The law also prevents personnel from being asked about their orientation. However, they could be discharged if they’re found out.

DADT ceases with judge order

The court case over the DADT policy is Log Cabin Republicans v. The United States. The Log Cabin Republicans sued the govt, claiming the policy is unconstitutional. In Sept, Judge Virginia Phillips found in their favor. She ordered DADT policy be suspended until she could determine what to do with it. On Tues, Oct. 12, Judge Phillips requested Do not Ask, Do not Tell to be discontinued totally. Gays and lesbians cannot be discriminated against. She said the service had to stop this. ABC accounts what Defense Secretary Robert Gates had to say over it. He said the courts shouldn’t even be allowed for making this decision. The Pentagon hasn’t responded. The reaction might never come.

White House is hoping to repeal this

The Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal is something expected. For years there has been talk about it. Recently, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs commented that DADT was on its way out. The practice would be repealed if the DADT bill goes via. Cable News Network reports Congress is looking at it right now. Congress asked that the decision stay until a vote could take place. They still desired to vote themselves. President Obama is in favor of repealing the law and extending equal protection to gay and lesbian service members.

Participating in the right function as judiciary

The United States court system had been intended to do what Judge Phillips did. There had been nothing wrong with it. The judiciary is there to make sure that any laws Congress passes do not violate the Constitution. Contradicting the constitution is a bad idea for a law. The law will not last long that way. The federal court system doesn’t listen to public opinion but makes decisions based on the interest of the law.

Details from

CNN

cnn.com/2010/US/10/12/judge.dont.ask.order/index.html?hpt=T2

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Politics/wirestory?id=11870880 and page=1