A very good day is when the courts of the United States of America recognize that LGBT Americans may partake in the BIRTHRIGHT that all other American citizens are afforded. Thank you goes to the Log Cabin Republicans for insisting that this fight for justice be taken to the United States District Court and for taking leadership when so many naysayers among our so-called ranks of LGBT "leaders" would hold us back. We honor ALL men and women in our armed services who risk their lives every day for the freedoms many of us take for granted. This ruling respects and dignifies their service to our country. Tom Lang, Director of KnowThyNeighbor Statement on Log Cabin Republicans v. United States Ruling |
| (Washington, DC) - Log Cabin Republicans celebrates the decision by a United States District Court judge to overturn "Don't Ask, Don't" Tell as an unconstitutional violation of servicemembers' rights to free speech and due process. "As an American, a veteran and an Army reserve officer, I am proud the court ruled that the arcane Don't Ask Don't Tell statute violates the Constitution," said Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper. "Today, the ruling is not just a win for Log Cabin Republican servicemembers, but all American servicemembers." "We are delighted with the court's ruling in favor of Log Cabin Republicans in this important case. The court's opinion finds that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is unconstitutional, and the court will issue a permanent injunction preventing the government from further enforcement of this unconstitutional statute," said Dan Woods, lead attorney for the case and partner at White & Case. "This is a major victory in the fight for equality and means that military service will be available to all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation." Log Cabin Republicans brought this suit in October 2004. The case went to trial in July 2010 before the United States District Court of the Central District of California and was decided by Judge Virginia A. Phillips. Judge Phillips ruling can be found here. |