"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Law Ruled Unconstitutional by Federal Judge

Servicemembers United Executive Director is Sole Named Injured Party in Case Brought by Log Cabin Republicans in 2004

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

09/09/2010

 

Contact

Alex Nicholson:

Cell 202.531.4839 | Office 202.349.1126 | Email [email protected]


Jarrod Chlapowski:

Cell 252.721.8152 | Office 202.349.1123 | Email [email protected]


 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Servicemembers United, the nation's largest organization of gay and lesbian troops and veterans, proudly hailed today's announcement that U.S. District Court Judge Virginia A. Phillips has ruled that the 17-year old "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law is unconstitutional. Judge Phillips also indicated that she will issue a permanent injunction barring the Department of Defense from carrying out further discharges. 


"This is an historic moment and an historic ruling for the gay military community and for the readiness and integrity of our Armed Forces" said Alexander Nicholson, Executive Director of Servicemembers United and a former multi-lingual U.S. Army interrogator who was discharaged under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' "As the only named injured party in this case, I am exceedingly proud to have been able to represent all who have been impacted and had their lives ruined by this blatantly unconstitutional policy. We are finally on our way to vindication."


The case through which the law was struck down, Log Cabin Republicans vs. U.S.A., was originally filed in 2004 by the gay Republican organization Log Cabin Republicans. Servicemembers United's Executive Director, J. Alexander Nicholson, is the sole named injured party in the lawsuit.


The full 85-page ruling from Judge Phillilps can be found at:

www.ServicemembersUnited.org/lawsuit



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Servicemembers United, a non-profit and non-partisan organization, is the nation's largest organization of gay and lesbian troops and veterans and their allies. Based in Washington, DC, Servicemembers United actively engages in education and advocacy on issues affecting the gay military, veteran, and defense community.