Reply #22: Federal judge in Washington state orders lesbian flight nurse reinstated to Air Force

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

TACOMA, Wash. (AP)

A federal judge ruled Friday that a decorated flight nurse discharged from the Air Force for being gay should be given her job back as soon as possible in the latest legal setback to the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

The decision by U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton came in a closely watched case as a tense debate has been playing out over the policy. Senate Republicans blocked an effort to lift the ban this week, but Leighton is now the second federal judge this month to deem the policy unconstitutional.

Maj. Margaret Witt was suspended in 2004 and subsequently discharged under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy after the Air Force learned she had been in a long-term relationship with a civilian woman. She sued to get her job back.
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Leighton hailed her as a "central figure in a long-term, highly charged civil rights movement." Tears streaked down Witt's cheeks and she hugged her parents, her partner and supporters following the ruling.


Read more: http://ww2.cox.com/myconnection/omaha/today/news/nation...

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Margaret Witt talks to reporters at the federal courthouse in Tacoma, Wash., Friday, Sept. 24, 2010. A federal judge ruled Friday that Witt, a flight nurse discharged from the Air Force for being gay, should be given her job back as soon as possible. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)


Darn liberal activist judges.