U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips
is expected on Monday to rule on a government request to stay her
injunction ordering the military to stop enforcing “Don't Ask,
Don't Tell,” the 1993 law that bans gay and bisexual service
members from serving openly.
The Associated Press is
reporting that Phillips has said she's inclined to deny the request
and will issue her ruling by the end of the day Monday. The Obama
administration requested the stay while it prepares an appeal of the
order.
Phillips declared
the law unconstitutional last month and ordered
a halt to its enforcement last week.
The Pentagon has agreed to abide by the
ruling, but warned gay troops that altering their personal conduct
could have “adverse consequences” for themselves and others
should the order be reversed.
The Clinton-era law prescribes
discharge for gay and bisexual service members who do not remain
celibate or closeted. The law is responsible for ending the military
careers of over 13,000 gay service members.
President Barrack Obama supports ending
the policy, but said last week that he wants Congress to repeal the
law.