A bit of an update to the DADT saga
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8065426/US-government-seeks-delay-in-lifting-military-gay-ban.htmlOn Tuesday Virginia Phillips, a district judge in California, ordered an injunction against the enforcement of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" rule, on the basis that it violated the constitutional rights of gay troops, who can be dismissed if their sexuality is exposed.
Her ruling threatens an end to the 17-year-old law, which was introduced under the then-president Bill Clinton and has long been fiercely criticised by its numerous opponents.
Lawyers from the Department of Justice (DoJ) confirmed soon after the ruling that Barack Obama's administration would appeal against it, despite Mr Obama's pledge during his presidential campaign to scrap the law.
The US Defence Department said on Thursday that it had issued guidance to its commanders that the court order should be obeyed. Hours later, however, the DoJ confirmed it had asked for the ruling to be postponed.
A spokesman said the department was applying "for an order staying the application of the court's entry of a permanent injunction in this case pending appeal."
The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law is estimated to have resulted in the departure from the military of 14,000 qualified troops.
Mr Obama has ordered a year-long review of the potential implications of ending the ban. The review is due to be completed in December.
Robert Gates, the Defence Secretary, and Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, also favour ending the law, but have said they would prefer it to be phased out slowly.
