Pentagon in limbo court order to halt DADT - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times
Pentagon in limbo court order to halt DADT - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times
WASHINGTON — As the Obama administration considers appealing a judge's order to stop the law prohibiting gays from serving openly in the military, some officers and service members say they are uncertain how to react.
The Pentagon said Wednesday it had not issued written guidance on the ruling, and commanders in the field said they did not know how to proceed on sensitive questions like pursuing existing investigations against gay service members.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned of "enormous consequences" for troops if the court order is allowed to stand, saying the decision on repeal of the law known as "don't ask, don't tell" should be decided by Congress and not the courts.
He has said he wants more time to prepare for a circumstance in which, for the first time, gay members of the military could declare their sexual orientation without fear of dismissal.
The Justice Department worked into the night Wednesday on its response to the California judge's ruling but gave no indication when there would be an announcement. Its first move may be to seek a stay, or temporary freeze, of the order. If that request is rejected, the department probably would turn to the federal appeals court in California.
If the government does appeal, it would put the Obama administration in the position of continuing to defend a law it opposes.
Read the full article here : Pentagon in limbo court order to halt DADT - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times
WASHINGTON — As the Obama administration considers appealing a judge's order to stop the law prohibiting gays from serving openly in the military, some officers and service members say they are uncertain how to react.
The Pentagon said Wednesday it had not issued written guidance on the ruling, and commanders in the field said they did not know how to proceed on sensitive questions like pursuing existing investigations against gay service members.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned of "enormous consequences" for troops if the court order is allowed to stand, saying the decision on repeal of the law known as "don't ask, don't tell" should be decided by Congress and not the courts.
He has said he wants more time to prepare for a circumstance in which, for the first time, gay members of the military could declare their sexual orientation without fear of dismissal.
The Justice Department worked into the night Wednesday on its response to the California judge's ruling but gave no indication when there would be an announcement. Its first move may be to seek a stay, or temporary freeze, of the order. If that request is rejected, the department probably would turn to the federal appeals court in California.
If the government does appeal, it would put the Obama administration in the position of continuing to defend a law it opposes.
Read the full article here : Pentagon in limbo court order to halt DADT - Military News | News From Afghanistan, Iraq And Around The World - Military Times
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