Filed Date: Nov. 10, 1992
Closed Date: 1995
Clearinghouse coding in progress
[This summary is temporary while we research the case]. This is a national injunction case. In 1992, a Navy petty officer who was discharged after publicly stating he was gay on a television news program filed this lawsuit against the Department of Defense. He challenged the U.S. military's policy of discharging service members based on their sexual orientation. In 1992, the court permanently enjoined the Department of Defense from discharging or denying enlistment to any person based on sexual orientation in the absence of sexual conduct interfering with the military mission.
Summary Authors
Madilynn O'Hara (1/19/2025)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/9665971/parties/meinhold-v-dod/
Hatter, Terry J. (California)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/9665971/meinhold-v-dod/
Last updated Aug. 7, 2025, 4:20 a.m.
State / Territory: California
Case Type(s):
Key Dates
Filing Date: Nov. 10, 1992
Closing Date: 1995
Case Ongoing: No
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
The plaintiff is a Navy officer with twelve years of service.
Public Interest Lawyer: Unknown
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
United States of America, Federal
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Constitutional Clause(s):
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: Mixed
Nature of Relief:
Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement
Source of Relief:
Content of Injunction:
National / Universal injunction
Amount Defendant Pays: $443,175.73
Issues
Discrimination Area:
Discharge / Constructive Discharge / Layoff
Discrimination Basis: