From Log Cabin Republicans:
Christian Berle, Deputy Executive Director of Log Cabin Republicans: "After years of fighting this lawsuit, Log Cabin Republicans expected that the Obama administration would continue to pull out all the stops to defend 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'" said Christian Berle, Deputy Executive Director of Log Cabin Republicans. "Log Cabin Republicans will continue to advocate on behalf of the American servicemembers who everyday sacrifice in defense of our nation and our Constitution. If this stay is granted, justice will be delayed, but it will not be denied. Meanwhile, we urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to do what it takes in the lame duck session to end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' legislatively. If Senator Reid treats the minority party fairly, the votes will be there to end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' once and for all."
Dan Woods, White & Case: "We are not surprised by the government's action, as it repeats the broken promises and empty words from President Obama avowing to end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' while at the same directing his Justice Department to defend this unconstitutional policy," said Dan Woods, White & Case partner who is representing the Log Cabin Republicans in Log Cabin Republicans vs United States of America. "Now that the government has filed a request for a stay, we will oppose it vigorously because brave, patriotic homosexuals are serving in our Armed Forces to fight for all of our constitutional rights while the government is denying them theirs."
SU's Alex Nicholson:
"This request from the Obama administration asking Judge Phillips to stay her own injunction was expected, but it is nevertheless disappointing in light of the president's claim that 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' harms national security and impairs military readiness." said Alexander Nicholson, Executive Director of Servicemembers United and the sole named veteran plaintiff in the case along with the Log Cabin Republicans. "As Americans, we all hope that our Commander-in-Chief will fiercely advocate for the immediate elimination anything that stands in the way of national security and military readiness."
Servicemembers United also responded to the Pentagon's announcement today that it would comply with the court's injunction while it was in effect. Nicholson: "We would expect nothing less than the Pentagon to comply with the injunction. It would undermine our system of government if executive departments started openly defying our courts and their orders. The Defense Department is in the business of protecting and defending our system of government, not undermining it, so we are of course pleased that the Pentagon is complying with this injunction."
SLDN's Aubrey Sarvis:
“We are disappointed but not surprised to learn the Department of Justice appealed the decision by Judge Phillips and asked that the injunction not be enforced for now. Judge Phillips will need to decide if the injunction stopping the investigations and discharges is on hold. The earlier decision by the Staff Judge Advocate Generals from the Military Services to abide by the terms in the court's order barring the military from investigating or discharging service members was an extraordinarily positive development. Until that changes, we are monitoring active-duty clients and fielding calls to our hotline.
“It is clear there is confusion and this interim period is dangerous for service members. Our service members need finality. The President needs to deliver on his promise to end the law this year. Given the uncertainty in the courts, we urge the Senate to act swiftly next month on repeal when they return to Washington. Congress made this law over 17 years ago and Congress now has an affirmative responsibility to bring clarity and finality to ending this law.
“We need to put the safety and well being of gay and lesbian service members first. Service members continue to remain vulnerable under DADT. We have clients under investigation and facing discharge right now. We’ll be monitoring each case over the coming days.”
GetEQUAL's Robin McGehee:
“Today’s appeal by President Obama’s Department of Justice is not only indefensible -- it is yet another shocking lack of leadership from the White House on issues of equality for the LGBT community. Regardless of the White House’s claim that they had no choice in this matter, the fact is that there was no reason they had to move forward with appealing this decision today. For them to do so, particularly in the same week they also announced their appeal of the Defense of Marriage Act ruling that also found a section of that law unconstitutional, adds insult to injury for the relationship between President Obama and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Yet again, we are faced with action by this Administration that stands in stark contrast to the campaign rhetoric and lofty speeches about equality that continue to be served up as progress to our community. We’d like to say we’re still hoping in the change promised to us two years ago, but that hope is fading away quickly -- particularly when the lives and livelihoods of our brothers and sisters are on the line.”
http://gay.americablog.com/2010/10/reactions-to-obama-administrations.html
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