The Supreme Court has turned down a challenge to the Defense Department policy forbidding gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, granting a request by the Obama administration. The court won't hear an appeal from Army Capt. James Pietrangelo II, who was dismissed under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
In court papers, the administration said the policy is "rationally related to the government's legitimate interest in military discipline and cohesion." During last year's campaign, President Barack Obama pledged to overturn the policy, but he has made no specific move to do so since taking office in January. (More Barack Obama stories.)