Federal Judge Virginia Phillips ordered the U.S. military to end its enforcement of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" on Tuesday, the ban on openly gay troops. The injunction was ordered after Phillips ruled last month that the 17-year-old policy barring gay military members from serving was unconstitutional.
"I think it's a good decision. This policy deserves reconsideration," NYU politics professor Steven Brams said.
The Justice Department and Defense Department are currently reviewing the ruling and have 60 days to file an appeal.
Brams predicted that this was not be the end of the battle for gay rights in the military.
"This policy will definitely go to the Supreme Court for appeal," he said.
Government lawyers would have to appeal to the Ninth Circuit and ask the policy to continue while appellate judges consider the case.
"The staying power of the injunction will be determined during the appeals process, but, for now, we hope that this decision prevents the discriminatory discharge of any more LGBT people serving their country in the U.S. military," Chris Kochevar from NYU OUTlaw said.
Though NYU College Republicans treasurer Jason Angelico praised the injunction, he felt that the repeal of DADT could have been approached differently.
"It is not right for a judge to be making policy from the bench," Angelico said. "If Obama wants DADT repealed, he should have to do it through the Legislative branch."
Ryan Rockmore, president of Delta Lambda Phi, a fraternity of gay and bisexual men, felt that even with the ruling, there was a long way to go before gay Americans share equal rights.
"It is absurd that the LGBT community must pay taxes and abide by national and state laws just like all Americans, yet we are denied the right to represent our country in the armed forces and show our love for another human being through marriage," Rockmore said. "Whether 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is rooted in antiquated views and stereotypes or simple ignorance of the LGBT community, it is time for America to stand up and say enough is enough. Regardless of sexual orientation, race or religious affiliation, an American is an American."
