Ex-Army Capt . James Pietrangelo sued over `` do n't ask/do n't tell '' law . Pietrangelo had appealed case to U.S. Supreme Court . The issue has become a touchstone of a growing political debate over whether judicial election races -- which have become more expensive and contentious in recent years -- erode public confidence in the legal system . He was denied, but the court ruled that he could sue for discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in federal courts. Obama administration had asked the high court not to take the case .
Ex-Army Capt . James Pietrangelo sued over `` do n't ask/do n't tell '' law . Pietrangelo had appealed case to U.S. Supreme Court . He was denied, but the court ruled that he could sue for discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in federal courts. Obama administration had asked the high court not to take the case .