Lawyers for a gay rights group asked a U.S. federal judge Friday to impose an injunction halting what they called the military's unconstitutional "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

Dan Woods, the lawyer for the Log Cabin Republicans, made the request during closing arguments in the trial of a lawsuit in Riverside, Calif.

The arguments in the two-week trial were expected to conclude Friday, with U.S. District Judge Virginia A. Phillips making a ruling at an unspecified time. Legal experts say she may hold off to see if Congress is going to repeal the policy.

The 19,000-member group, which includes former and current members of the military, is challenging the constitutionality of the military policy against openly gay service personnel.

Woods argued the policy violates the rights of gay military members to free speech, due process and open association.

"Log Cabin Republicans have brought this case to trial to call out the government on the wrong it's doing on current and future homosexuals who wish to serve their country. We ask you to do them right," Woods told Phillips.

More than 13,500 fired

"Don't ask, don't tell" prohibits the military from asking about the sexual orientation of service members but requires discharge of those who acknowledge being gay or are discovered to be engaging in homosexual activity, even in the privacy of their own homes off base.

The group says more than 13,500 service members have been fired under the law since 1994.

Phillips is expected to issue her verdict in writing. Lawyers say she could take weeks, or longer, to make her decision.

Legal experts say she may hold off to see if Congress is going to repeal it.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted May 27 to repeal the policy, and the Senate is expected to take up the issue this summer.