Federal judge voids 'don't ask, don't tell'

U.S. District Court Judge Virginia A. Phillips in Riverside ruled tonight that the military’s ban on openly gay service members violates the 1st Amendment rights of lesbians and gay men. Phillips also said the policy has had a “direct and deleterious effect’’ on the military. She said she would issue an injunction barring enforcement of the policy, but the government would be able to appeal.