THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 2, 1995 TAG: 9511020367
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
The Navy said Wednesday that it will resume proceedings to discharge Lt. j.g. Richard ``Dirk'' Selland in the wake of a federal court's rejection Tuesday of his challenge to the military's policy on homosexuals.
Selland, a Norfolk-based supply officer who has waged a long, public battle against the ``don't ask, don't tell'' policy, could be out of uniform in a matter of days unless he can obtain a stay of Tuesday's decision by U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Young.
Benjamin R. Barnett, one of Selland's lawyers, said the sailor will seek a stay either from Young or the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. That Richmond-based court would hear any appeal of Young's decision.
The Navy was processing Selland's discharge papers in April when Young granted a temporary injunction to permit him to stay in the Navy while the case was under consideration.
Selland's case is among several challenges to the policy pending in federal courts across the country. The issue is expected to make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court next year. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Lt. j.g. Richard ``Dirk'' Selland could be out of uniform in a
matter of days.
KEYWORDS: GAYS IN THE MILITARY U.S. NAVY HOMOSEXUALS by CNB