WASHINGTON (UPI) -- Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Thursday referred to the full Supreme Court the Justice Department request to block a federal judge's ruling that completely lifts the ban on gays in the military. O'Connor supervises the 9th Circuit, which includes the California district where the judge made his ruling last month. O'Connor could have blocked the order herself, but most important decisions are referred to the full court. The administration now needs at least five justices to vote to suspend the order until an appeal is heard. A decision is expected sometime during the next few days. The Defense Department carried out the judge's order on Oct. 1, telling the services not to take administrative action against anyone in uniform because of ``sexual orientation or statements of homosexuality'' -- but is appealing the order to the 9th U.S. Circuit of Appeals in San Francisco. Argument is expected in December.