OAKLAND, Calif. – A federal judge has struck down two Northern California city ordinances banning military recruitment of minors.
Voters in the cities of Arcata and Eureka passed laws last November called the Youth Protection Act. But the Justice Department promptly sued, arguing that they interfere with the government's ability to raise an army and protect the country.
U.S. District Judge Saundra Armstrong in Oakland agreed Thursday with the federal government and invalidated the laws. She also tossed out a countersuit by Arcata and Eureka, claiming government employees violated the constitutional rights of some city residents.
Lawyers for the cities have said they expected the judge to rule against them, but wanted a chance to present their arguments in court.
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