( CNN ) -- A federal judge on Tuesday ordered the U.S. military to stop enforcing the `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy , putting an end to the ban on openly gay troops . U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips ' permanent worldwide injunction -- praised by gay rights organizations -- orders the military `` immediately to suspend and discontinue any investigation , or discharge , separation , or other proceeding , that may have been commenced '' under the `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy . The judge , a Clinton appointee based in the Central District of California , previously ruled that the policy regarding gays serving in the military violated service members ' Fifth Amendment rights to due process and freedom of speech , but had delayed issuing the injunction . The military was sued by Log Cabin Republicans , a gay rights group . Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler would say only that the department is `` reviewing the ruling . '' The department has 60 days to appeal , but is not required to do so . The Defense Department is reviewing the ruling to determine whether it has immediate impact and is consulting with the Justice Department , Pentagon spokeswoman Cynthia Smith said . Air Force lawyers in a recent case argued the military -- not the courts -- is in the best position to evaluate and enforce the `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' policy . President Barack Obama is pushing for a repeal of the controversial policy . A bill currently before Congress would overturn the measure after a Pentagon review is completed in December . In her ruling Tuesday , Phillips stated the policy infringes on the rights of military personnel . `` Furthermore , there is no adequate remedy at law to prevent the continued violation of servicemembers ' rights or to compensate them for violation of their rights , '' the judge wrote . More than 12,500 people have been booted from the military since `` do n't ask , do n't tell '' went into effect . Along with barring known gay , lesbian and bisexual individuals from serving , the policy prevents the military from asking them about it . Log Cabin Republicans praised the ruling but urged `` caution by servicemembers considering coming out at this time , as the Obama administration still has the option to appeal . '' The group said the ruling is a victory for strong national defense . `` No longer will our military be compelled to discharge servicemembers with valuable skills and experience because of an archaic policy mandating irrational discrimination , '' it said in a statement following the ruling . Servicemembers United , which describes itself as the nation 's largest organization of gay and lesbian troops and veterans , also hailed the judge 's ruling but urged gays who serve to be careful about coming out now . `` This order from Judge Phillips is another historic and courageous step in the right direction , a step that Congress has been noticeably slow in taking , '' said executive director Alexander Nicholson . The ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee called on the administration to immediately file a motion to stay the injunction so Congress can address the issue . `` We are a nation at war . This decision could have a negative impact on military and family readiness since the Department of Defense is unprepared to address the issues that are bound to arise from such a hasty change , Rep. Howard P. `` Buck '' McKeon , R-California , said in a statement . Aaron Belkin , director of the Palm Center , a research institute of the University of California-Santa Barbara , said he expects the Obama administration to appeal Tuesday 's order . `` The case could be done next week if the administration decides not to appeal , or it could take five years if there is an appeal , or Congress could move faster than the Justice Department , which would render this case moot , '' said Belkin , whose institute researches sexual minorities in the military and advocates an end to the ban . CNN 's Carol Cratty and Jennifer Rizzo contributed to this report .
NEW : Congressman calls on Justice to file motion seeking a stay . The Justice and White House departments are studying the ruling . Jennifer Rizzo Republicans hail the federal judge 's ruling but advise caution . The judge had previously ruled that the policy violated service members ' rights .