Court rulings are expected Friday in two lawsuits targeting the U.S. military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy.

U.S. District Court Judge Virginia Phillips previously ruled the ban on gays serving openly in the military is unconstitutional. On Friday, she will decide whether to stay her ruling while it's being appealed.

"This filing in no way diminishes the president's firm commitment to achieve a legislative repeal of DADT - indeed, it clearly shows why Congress must act to end this misguided policy," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement e-mailed to The Associated Press.

Judge Phillips has said that the policy has a "direct and deleterious effect" on the military by hurting recruiting during wartime and discharging service members who have the necessary skills and training.

In a separate case in Tacoma, Wash., Maj. Margaret Witt is waiting for a judge's ruling on her lawsuit. She was discharged from Air Force for being gay and wants to be re-instated to her reserve post.

The judge in that case was expected to make a ruling on Friday.