31 August 2010

USA: Federal Judge in California rules “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy towards gay members of military unconstitutional

A federal judge in California has ruled the "don't ask, don't tell" policy towards gay members of military unconstitutional. The plaintiffs were a gay rights group who had argued that the policy violated their rights of due process and free speech. Judge Phillips agreed, finding that the defendants had failed to discharge the burden of showing that the "don't ask, don't tell" policy significantly furthered the government's important interests in military readiness and unit cohesion.

To view the judgment, please click here.