'Don't ask, don't tell' suffers a blow in S.F. federal court

[Newsjock]

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

A federal appeals court refused Thursday to reconsider a ruling that raised doubts about the constitutionality of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy for gays in the military, a decision that could give President-elect Barack Obama a chance to act quickly on his promise to repeal the policy.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco denied the Air Force's request for a rehearing of a May 21 decision reviving a suit by a female officer in Washington state who was discharged because she had a relationship with another woman.

... The Air Force has 90 days to appeal to the Supreme Court or allow the ruling to become binding on federal courts in the Ninth Circuit, which includes California and eight other states. Even if the Bush administration appeals before leaving office, Obama could withdraw the appeal.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/04/BAHS14IC2O.DTL&tsp=1

[AnnieBW]

1. Bad month to be gay in California

I mean, first Prop 8, now this... Sorry, my gay friends.

[Newsjock]

3. No, this is a good ruling

It gives Obama the chance to declare that all sexual orientations are equally welcome in the military.

[AnnieBW]

5. Oh, okay

Well.... here's hoping...

[ksimons]

2. I believe this is good news - check the bold print

plus the Air Force was trying to have a rehearing and was denied, so I'm guessing this could clear the way for a change for the better.

Sure took long enough!

[closeupready]

4. He won't.

I just know it. I'd like him to reverse it, but he won't.

[Eugenian]

6. Obama can't

reverse the policy by executive order, because it was put into place by statute. It will take an act of Congress.

[davidinalameda]

10. since you're such a psychic

can you get me the lotto numbers for this weekend?

[closeupready]

11. You and I both know they have to be dragged kicking and screaming to

protect the interests of gays and lesbians. We are like the Democrats' fart. Sad but true. And Obama is not going to do anything unless we demand it, and I don't see that happening right now.

though I'd like to be wrong, of course.

[defendandprotect]

7. How can anyone argue for "second class" status in military --???

[Breathe]

8. Not second class, no class

You fess up to being gay and you're out! Even if you're one of the Arabic speaking translators that we need so much. It's crazy...

[defendandprotect]

9. True .. and sad for our nation ---

Religious "values" --!!!