News

Statement on Log Cabin Republicans v. United States Ruling

September 9, 2010

(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.