Obama, Justice Department Weighs Appeal in 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Case

On September 10, 2010, a federal judge in California ruled that the infamous Don’t-Ask-Don’t-Tell (DADT) policy of the U.S. Military is unconstitutional. The law, as it stands, prohibits gays and lesbians from serving openly in military forces; it allows homosexuals to serve, but prohibits them from revealing their sexual identity, as well as anyone else from inquiring about their lifestyle. US District Court Judge Virginia A. Phillips argues that the defendants of the DADT policy are unable to prove that it is an essential part of sustaining the military’s solidarity and preparedness. Judge Phillips plans to issue a permanent injunction prohibiting the military from exercising DADT among their ranks. The government may then appeal the ruling. The Justice Department is currently reviewing their decision on how to proceed, but has made no announcements.

The authors of this article, de Vogue and Dwyer, seem to think that the ruling by the California judge has put President Obama between a rock and a hard place: between his duty to “defend established law” and his campaign promises to repeal the discriminatory military policy.

Obama now admits that only Congress retains the ability to repeal the law, and until this happens, he is obligated to defend the policy in court. Several top military officials have sided with the repeal. However, the law will remain in effect until it is formally addressed by Congress.

This article is one of many that emerge on a weekly basis covering the controversy of open homosexuality in the military. It's important to pay attention to the plight of those still struggling for some of their basic civil liberties in the 21st century. Our military personnel deserve equal love and respect, no matter their preferences or God-given sexual orientations.