CALIFORNIA FEDERAL JUDGE RULES DADT UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Ruling that Don't Ask, Don't Tell violates First Amendment rights, a federal judge in California states the military policy unconstitutional.  The Log Cabin Republicans had a case in the courts that brought this ruling to fruition.

U.S. District Court Judge Virginia A. Phillips said the policy banning gays did not preserve military readiness, contrary to what many supporters have argued, saying evidence shows that the policy in fact had a “direct and deleterious effect’’ on the military. Phillips said she would issue an injunction barring the government from enforcing the policy. However, the U.S. Department of Justice, which defended “don’t ask, don’t tell” during a two-week trial in Riverside, will have an opportunity to appeal that decision.

LCR reacts via R. Clarke Cooper:  As an American, a veteran and an Army reserve officer, I am proud the court ruled that the arcane ‘don't ask, don't tell’ statute violates the Constitution....Today, the ruling is not just a win for Log Cabin Republican service members, but all American service members."

Human Rights Campaign reaction:  “Today a federal judge affirmed what the vast majority of the American people know to be true – that it’s time for the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law to be sent to the dustbin of history. With this legal victory in hand, Congress is right now in a perfect position to strengthen our national security by ending a law that has discharged thousands of capable service members. With House passage already secured, the Senate can and should vote in the next few weeks to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and allow every qualified man and woman the chance to serve with honor.”

The American Foundation for Equal Rights reaction:  "Today's court decision declaring "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" unconstitutional is yet another significant and long-overdue step toward full equality for all Americans. Along with the recent federal court decisions on DOMA and Proposition 8, it is clear that our nation is moving toward the day when every American will be treated equally under the law, as is required by our Constitution."

via losangelestimes

Read the ruling:  DADT Unconstitutional

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