Some conflicting events today connected to Don't Ask Don't Tell. The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a non-profit group that advocates against the policy, got a hold of an internal memo from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General ordering JAG Officers to abide by a judge's injunction against the policy. Here's the AP story. The JAG email is re-posted below.
Meanwhile, the Obama administration has asked the judge who enjoined the military from implementing the policy to allow it to continue during an appeal.
Finally, Obama himself said today that Don't Ask Don't Tell will end on his watch.
Email from Richard C. Harding, The Judge Advocate General, U.S. Air Force:
Members of The Judge Advocate General’s Corps,
On 12 October 2010, a federal district judge of the Central District of California issued an injunction barring the enforcement or application of 10 USC 654, commonly known as the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" statute. A copy is attached. At present, the United States Government is contemplating whether to appeal and to seek a stay of the injunction. In the meantime, effective 12 October, the Department of Defense will abide by its terms, as follows:
The District Court "permanently enjoins defendants United States of America and the Secretary of Defense, their agents, servants, officers, employees, and attorneys and all persons acting in participation or concert with them or under their direction or command from enforcing or applying the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Act and implementing regulations, against any person under their jurisdiction or command."
The District Court further "orders defendants United States of America and the Secretary of Defense immediately to suspend and discontinue any investigation, or discharge, separation, or other proceeding, that may have been commenced under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Act or pursuant to 10 USC 654 or its implementing regulations, on or prior to the date of this Judgment."
Further guidance on this and related issues will be provided as it is made available by DoD. Inform your commanders of this injunction and its terms. Direct any questions to the Administrative Law Division, AF/JAA.
RICHARD C. HARDING
Lieutenant General, USAF
The Judge Advocate General