Don't Ask, Don't Tell Plaintiffs Seek Weho Help

On Monday, plaintiffs in the Log Cabin Republicans v. the United States of America will present their lawsuit to the West Hollywood City Council and community members for support.

Log Cabin Republicans, a national gay and lesbian grassroots organization, is seeking to overturn the military's policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT). The group is asking its members and allies to come to the City Council meeting to show their support during the public comments portion of the meeting.

"There is work to be done in West Hollywood," said Scott Schmidt, president of the Los Angeles Log Cabin Republicans. "West Hollywood has a long-standing tradition of being…at the forefront on the fight for human and civil rights." Log Cabin Republicans are hoping to find a strong, vocal base in the city to support DADT's repeal.

Schmidt and the L.A. chapter of the group are working to raise awareness about the fight against DADT. They want to create a community where people of all sexual orientations and political affiliations can work together to overturn the policy.

Since President Obama's election there has been a resurgence of efforts to strike down the Clinton-era DADT, which prevents gay and lesbian military members from serving openly. Under the law, servicemen and women can be, and are, discharged from duty for their sexual orientation.

Log Cabin Republicans, which was started in the 1970s to create a more inclusive Republican Party, works to promote the rights of gay and lesbian Americans. The group has made large strides in its effort to repeal DADT.

The landmark 2004 case, Lawrence v. Texas, established that Texas could not criminalize homosexual behavior, and to do such is unconstitutional under the Due Process Clause. In response to this ruling, the Log Cabin Republicans sued the federal government, arguing that DADT is unconstitutional, violates First Amendment rights and threatens national security.

"People wonder why the president can't just do away with it," said R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans. "[Don't Ask, Don't Tell] was created through the legislative process so it has to be amended by Congress or challenged in the courts." His organization is doing both.

A ruling from Judge Virginia A. Phillips on Log Cabin Republican's four and a half year legal battle is expected any day: The 90-day period began two weeks ago. This 90-day period is significant because the judge's decision is  still pending. During this time, the judge is allowing Log Cabin Republican's the opportunity to establish a thorough record of how and why  "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"  is discriminatory and unconstitutional. Phillips, a federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, in June 2009 rejected the federal government's motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

Lobbying Congress, the other avenue for abolishing the policy, is an important but tricky process, Cooper said. "Senators and congressmen are constantly reminding us that it's their constituents they want to hear from on issues," he said. Cooper urges supporters to contact their senators and representatives.

The City Council will meet Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Plummer Park located on 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.