(Washington, DC) Army Veteran and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis issued the following in response to the order released today by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which instructs the government to declare within ten days whether or not it will appeal last week’s decision regarding “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT).

“At SLDN, we welcome the Court’s order to instruct the Department of Defense and Department of Justice to indicate within ten days their intention to appeal last week’s ruling. It’s our hope that they will not appeal the order as we move toward these final stages of certification and repeal. Service members need clarity and finality.”

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STILL AT RISK: Despite the President signing the bill authorizing repeal of DADT, it is still unsafe for service members to come out until 60 days after certification by President Obama, Secretary Panetta, and Admiral Mullen.

Click here to read our warning to service members.

SLDN FREE HOTLINE: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: 202-328-3244 x100.

ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) was established in 1993 when “Don’t Ask” originally passed. In addition to working on repeal, SLDN offers free, confidential legal services to those impacted by the discriminatory law. Last year the organization received its 10,000th call for assistance to its legal hotline.