Pentagon to Gay Troops: Stay in the Closet For Now

CBS/ AP

The Defense Department issued a memo today informing gay troops to stay in the closet even though the military has suspended enforcement of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy pending a government appeal.

On Tuesday, a federal district judge issued an injunction mandating that the military stop investigation and discharges of homosexual troops. Yesterday, however, the Department of Justice appealed that injunction and the corresponding decision. Though the Obama administration wants to end the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, it has argued that the policy should be ended through Congress, not the courts.

In the memo, the Defense Department said it would abide by the judge's injunction - though personnel chief Clifford Stanley added that "it is possible that a stay of the injunction could be issued very soon, perhaps in a matter of days. In that event, I will issue additional guidance."

He went on to instruct gay soldiers not to make their sexual preference known.

"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," the memo says. "We note for Servicemembers that altering their personal conduct in this legally uncertain environment may have adverse consequences for themselves or others should the court's decision be reversed."

Stanely adds that the Pentagon is "committed to the successful completion" of a review of the impact of repealing the policy, which is due December 1st. A bill before Congress would have allowed for repeal following the completion of that review and certification by the president and top defense officials, but a Senate Republican-led filibuster blocked the legislation last month.

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Brian Montopoli is a political reporter for CBSNews.com. You can read more of his posts here. Follow Hotsheet on Facebook and Twitter.

[CarloCaraluzzo]

As long as Conservative Christians rule this countries media and court system(Check out who appointed 85% of our federal judges)we will never have equal anything in this country. These people are no different than the extemists muslims. They do NOT want fair treatment, equality or anything except their narrow hatefilled agenda.They have proven it time and time again. LOOK at the voting records and LOOK at the real success ratios. Democrats in office and they fix the economy ruined by republicans and restore civil rights. As soon as republicans get into office they find more reasons to spend money (are we forgetting the George Bush spent more than EVERY other president combined?) and curtail civil rights. Two of the largest problems we have now started to gain momentum during republican adminstrations: The drug cartels had no power until suddenly they got an influx of cash at the beginning of Reagans "war on drugs" and Al Quaida was STARTED and then abandoned by the republicans when they were done with them. Gays in any part of our society is anathema to conservative christians who do not care about the Constitution. All they care about is a 3000 year old middle eastern desert tribes rules of conduct.

[myth1958]

So. This tragic mistreatment of honorable service members who are currently on the job has to continue in the face of a world-wide order from a federal judge to stop the practice immediately. Maybe the Pentagon doesn't believe in the rule of law - or in the premise that our armed forces are led by civilians, not the military itself. I disagree with President Obama on this one: he wishes for Congress to step up and end this disgraceful witch hunt, once and for all. But a Republican filibuster derailed that option. So be it, Mr President. Now the country has the chance to end this, and you're dragging our collective feet. Please reconsider and act with the sensibilities we elected you for: a golden opportunity is at your feet. Pick it up. Tens of thousands of gay troops are watching, serving, dying every day. They deserve the respect of allowing this ruling to stand. Now.

[hhandyman]

The photo looks like it came from Wallstreet Journal USA Today or the Fox Right News. and not a balanced news source.
too bad that picture pre judges the likelyhood of a fair article too accurately. Did Murdock buy editoral rights to Yahoo too??

[nightfrog65]

If a gay man or woman is willing to serve their country, why should we stop them?

[lexman70]

mecanlk-2009,
Would you be willing to enter into a deep Spiritual discussion asking the Lord Jesus to guide our hearts, minds and words as we communicate with one another? Just posting one scripture may not help people to think deeply reading all of this or better yet, help someone find the Lord as their personal Savior.

[underdogus007]

The apostle Paul, in one of his letters to the Corinthians, wrote the verses most often quoted on this subject:

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of ..............God.

[lexman70]

Underdogus007, Would you be kind enough to share your testimony on here on accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior and perhaps a story of how God has touched your life, maybe even spoken to you?

[slappy-jones]

Do you also still believe in the Tooth Fairy, too?

[underdogus007]

"Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind"..........it is abomination

[slappy-jones]

Luckily, your whackjob religious beliefs only apply to those who share them.

[CarloCaraluzzo]

Neither shall man get tattoos or but his hair but I dont see you picking on barber and tattoo shops. I Guess you dont want to pick on any bikers or skinheads huh?

[underdogus007]

The wicked men of Sodom attempted a homosexual rape of two messengers from God who had come to visit Lot. As a result of this and other widespread wickedness, God destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in a storm of fire and.... Brimstone.

[CarloCaraluzzo]

That was Jevohahs methods throughout the bible, fear and intimidation and that theme has been followed by Jews,christians and muslims since then. Do what I tell you or youll suffer for eternity. That sounds more like a thug than a loving god. If you are so bend on damning gays because of the bible why are you picketing barber and tattoo shops? Same chapter bans tattoos and cutting hair.

[scorpiodude]

Yes, and the Sodom and Gomorrah of the West coast (San Fran) is next.

[lexman70]

I'm a born again Christian. What that means is opening your heart and mind to the real living Spirit of God. Once you do, you experience the real truth that God is Alive and Real and you get to know Jesus Christ with a personal relationship. Having said that I am also a gay man. Being gay is NOT a choice. Given the hate and judgment mankind puts on gay people, why would anyone "choose" to be gay? It's no different than being born with blue or brown eyes. I'm sure those that will argue against this point will only be straight people, or those that will point only to the 6 verses in the bible.
I can assure you God has given me His peace about being gay, just as He knew I would be before I was born because He created me this way. Sadly most gays teens are kicked out of their homes, families and churches. No wonder they turn to drugs and living a dangerous way of life, or worse..... suicide. It's also no wonder why so many gay people are not Christian, it's because "christians" don't share the living, loving Sprit of Jesus with them, they just judge them and show anything but love. Religion once believed the world was flat and years from now all will know gay people are born this way and that God loves and accepts them/us. To those that fear and hate gay people, I forgive you because you simply don't understand. To my fellow christians who follow the letter of bible more closely than they do the Living Sprit of Jesus Christ, I forgive you too. John 3:16 says "whosoever" and it means just that. To my fellow "angry" christians who don't know any gay people and pass judgment, I remind you of Jesus' words..... "On that day many will say to me, ?Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." To ALL members of our military, men, women, gay or straight, thank you for your service. Christ's peace........Always.

[underdogus007]

lexman70.....Sir you're a liar and a fraud!

[lexman70]

Underdogus007, I forgive you in Jesus name and I pray the anger you have will one day be replaced with understanding and love.

[CarloCaraluzzo]

Again,we have yet another example of Christianitys blessings on humanity. Hate, fear, misunderstanding. My question is this. If we are to live by the biblical bans on homosexuality are we also to honor the bans on tattoos that are in the same chapter? What about the hair requirements? Are our soldiers to start looking like Hasidic Jews? If all soldiers in the military with tattoos had to leave our army couldnt defeat a troop of boy scouts. If you want to follow biblical rules then follow ALL of them. Written by tribal shaman,(and yeah, thats what Moses was no matter how much you glorify him)3000 years ago this insane hatefilled tome has caused more misary and wars than any other cause since that time. I spent 12 years as an Army Ranger. I know that there are now and always have been many gays in the military and we have never had a problem defending our country. Will it be harder if we act like adults and allow people to be who they are?
and to the guy who said "sure the Pentagon has its faults but it does a heck of a job defending this country" I ask you when was the last time this country was attacked by a legitamate force. This war on terrorism is a joke. Nothing more than a justification for more restrictions on freedoms. The last time our country was attacked directly was December 7th 1941. Even the Soviets did not attack us. And even if we had been at constant war with enemies on all sides this does not give the military or anyone else to stop someone from being who they are and mistreating them just because you dont like thier lifestyle.This is the Freedom of Expression and Equal protection the military is defending? As long as you agree that our version of some anchient myth is the last word in the Universe you have all the protections you need? Man, what a truly pathetic outlook on the human condition.