Pentagon reworking gays in military guidance again

[October 21, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Pentagon says it's working to come up with new guidelines regarding gays serving in the military after a court ruling restored the "don't ask, don't tell" law, at least for now.

Defense Department spokesman Col. Dave Lapan said Thursday that he expects the guidelines be announced later in the day.

An injunction last week barring the military from following the "don't ask, don't tell" law prompted the Pentagon to order that recruiters must accept applications from gays, and military lawyers must stop prosecuting cases aimed at firing them.

But a Wednesday ruling froze that injunction. That means the military could at least temporarily return to its policy banning gays and lesbians from serving openly, while the courts continue to consider the question.

[Associated Press; By PAULINE JELINEK]

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