Washington, D.C. -
The gay soldiers who were arrested outside the White House as they protested "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" are trying to subpoena President Obama to testify in their defense.
Lieutenant Dan Choi and Captain James Pietrangelo claim in court documents that since President Obama has asked gay activists to pressure him the repeal of DADT, they are merely following orders when they protest it.
"The subpoena of the President is necessary for the defense to prove that Defendants were following and obeying lawful orders or directives by their President and Commander in Chief, and were therefore under an obligation and authority to act as they did in order to pressure him - in a non-violent, visible way - on this important public issue," the subpoena reads.
The subpoena was not accepted at the White House gate, so now attorneys for the two men are trying to arrange a face-to-face meeting with White House counsel.
The two men will face a bench trial (with a judge, but no jury) on July 14 in Washington, D.C. Superior Court.
They have pleaded not guilty and face fines of up to a thousand dollars if convicted.
Lieutenant Dan Choi and Captain James Pietrangelo claim in court documents that since President Obama has asked gay activists to pressure him the repeal of DADT, they are merely following orders when they protest it.
"The subpoena of the President is necessary for the defense to prove that Defendants were following and obeying lawful orders or directives by their President and Commander in Chief, and were therefore under an obligation and authority to act as they did in order to pressure him - in a non-violent, visible way - on this important public issue," the subpoena reads.
The subpoena was not accepted at the White House gate, so now attorneys for the two men are trying to arrange a face-to-face meeting with White House counsel.
The two men will face a bench trial (with a judge, but no jury) on July 14 in Washington, D.C. Superior Court.
They have pleaded not guilty and face fines of up to a thousand dollars if convicted.
