Yesterday the Pentagon agreed to comply with a Federal Judge’s ruling that the military cease to enforce its “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which bars gays from openly serving in the military. But later yesterday afternoon, the Pentagon sent out a memo to troops, warning them not to come out of the closet on the job just yet, as the government is seeking a stay and will appeal the ruling. The memo states: “In light of the appeal and the application for the stay, a certain amount of uncertainty now exists about the future of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law and policy. We note for Service members that altering their personal conduct in this legally uncertain environment may have adverse consequences for themselves should the court’s decision be reversed.” If the ruling is reversed and a soldier came out in the interim, could he be discharged, then?
Pentagon Memo To Troops: Don’t Start Telling Us You’re Gay Yet [Muckraker/TPM]
