LOS ANGELES : Judge Asked to Reverse Gay Sailor’s Reinstatement

A federal judge in Los Angeles heard government arguments Monday that he should reverse his reinstatement of an openly gay sailor, but he did not rule on the motion.

U.S. District Judge Terry Hatter said he no longer had jurisdiction in the case because the federal government had filed a notice of appeal of his preliminary injunction order returning Petty Officer Keith Meinhold to the Navy. When federal lawyers said they would withdraw the appeal so he could rule on their reconsideration motion, Hatter let them make their arguments, indicating he would issue a ruling after the appeal was formally withdrawn.

Meinhold, a sonar instructor, returned to duty last week at Moffett Field Naval Air Station in the Bay Area. Although Hatter directed that Meinhold get his old job back, the Navy assigned the 12-year Navy veteran to a 30- to 90-day refresher course on the base.