US Asks Judge to Put 'Don't Ask' Ruling on Hold

The Justice Department has asked a US judge to allow the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays to continue during an appeal. In court papers, the Obama administration says the case raises serious legal questions and that the government will be irreparably harmed unless the current policy is allowed to remain in place temporarily.

The move comes two days after a judge in California ordered the Pentagon to cease enforcement of its policy barring gays from openly serving in the military. President Obama, meanwhile, insisted again that DADT will end on his watch. Speaking at a town hall meeting of young adults, Obama said he believes anyone who wants to serve in the military should be allowed to do so regardless of sexual orientation. But he said it should be done by Congress, not executive order. (More Don't Ask, Don't Tell stories.)