In Los Angeles, California a federal judge said she would put a halt to the "don't ask, don't" tell gay policy in the military. U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips ruled Thursday that the prohibition on openly military members was unconstitutional because it violates the 1st and 5th Amendment rights of gays and lesbians. During the non jury trial, Woods argued that the policy violates gay military members' rights to free speech, open association and right to due process as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. The decision will change the lives of many giving gays and lesbians the opportunity to openly serve their country. After the hearing Woods said, "It'll be an interesting decision for our president to decide whether to appeal this case. He's said that 'don't ask, don't tell' weakens national security, and now it's been declared unconstitutional," he said. "If he does appeal, we're going to fight like heck." More than 13,500 service members have been fired since 1994, the Log Cabin Republicans said. This is the second ruling from a California judge making great leaps in gay rights. Finally, those who are gay or lesbians can now proudly serve our country.
