Judge Leighton Rules Margaret Witt Be Reinstated In The Air Force Reserve; Says Of Witt “You Will Provide The Best Evidence That Open Service Of Gays And Lesbians Will Have No Adverse Effect On Cohesion, Morale Or Readiness ...”

Late Friday, United States District Judge Ronald Leighton ruled that Spokane, Washington native Margaret Witt can be reinstated in the Air Force Reserves despite the ongoing ban on openly gay and lesbian service members. Leighton, according to the Spokesman Review, ruled that Witt’s rights were violated and that evidence offered during a six-day trial demonstrated that her unit, the 446th Air Evacuation Squadron, did not suffer any loss of cohesion or morale from her service or other known or suspected gays or lesbians among its ranks. On the contrary, Leighton said, morale deteriorated after her suspension and subsequent discharge for being a lesbian. “She should be reinstated at the earliest possible moment,” Leighton said. “I hope,” Leighton added, that you will request reinstatement with the Air Force Reserves and the 446th. You will provide the best evidence that open service of gays and lesbians will have no adverse effect on cohesion, morale or readiness on this or perhaps any Air Force or military unit.” After delivering his ruling, Leighton, who originally dismissed Witt’s suit, but the 9th United States Circuit Court of Appeals, sent back the case, told Witt she’s become a central figure in a “long-term and highly charged civil rights movement,” and that might prove stressful. Leighton reminded her of something she said during her testimony that he hoped she would remember: she was forced to tell her parents she was homosexual because she was filing the lawsuit that they provided “unfailing love and support’ for her. “Notwithstanding the victory you have attained here today, for yourself and for others, I would submit to you that the best thing to come out of all this tumult is still that love and support you receive from your family,” Leighton said. “You are truly blessed.” At the conclusion of his ruling, the courtroom broke into an extended applause.