Pentagon STOPS Discharges of Gay Troops Today; As reported by adamfoxie* yesterday

By Michael Winter, USA TODAY

The Pentagon today halted all discharges of gay troops under "don't ask, don't tell" and will now accept applications from prospective recruits who are homosexual, the Army Timesreports.

But it's still not clear whether the Obama administration will turn to the Supreme Court after a federal appeals court Wednesday banned further enforcement of the policy, which has prohibited gays from serving openly, write the Army Times, which is published by USA TODAY's parent, Gannett Co. Inc.

Congress repealed the law in December after a federal judge ruled that DADT was unconstitutional. The repeal stipulated that DADT would be formally repealed 60 days after the defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs "certify" that it will not adversely impact military readiness.

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he expected certification in late July or early August.

The Pentagon's moratorium came on the day the U.S. House voted to prohibit chaplains from performing same-sex marriages on military bases regardless of a state's law.

This bill has to be approved by the senate and signed by the President. We'll see what develops.