Gates warns over gay policy

United States Defence Secretary Robert Gates has warned that a court-ordered halt of a ban on openly gay military personnel could have enormous consequences.



Speaking a day after a judge halted the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy; Mr Gates said he preferred that Congress, not a court, settle the issue.



Under the policy, gay people can serve in the military but face expulsion if their sexuality is revealed.



The justice department is not obliged to appeal the ruling or seek a stay, but the president has always maintained that his preferred course of action is to change the law through Congress.



That has been tried once already this year and was blocked in the Senate.



Meanwhile the Pentagon is carrying-out an extensive survey of serving personnel, gauging their attitudes to working alongside gay colleagues.



Its findings are expected to show a softening of views in recent years, reflecting broader changes in society.