Homophobic Recruiters Out of Our Schools!
By Ben Arenger

At a moment when the military is failing to meet its recruitment targets, gay and lesbian soldiers are being routinely purged from the service.

The Washington Post recently reported "6,273 troops have been discharged for being gay, lesbian, or bisexual since 1998. The discharges continue at a rate of two to three per day, despite alarming reports that the military is stretched dangerously thin and is overtaxing its current forces." (7/11/04)

Gay and lesbian soldiers face harassment, violence, and witch hunts. Lindsay Wilkes writes, "There are no rules of confidentiality that protect military personnel.... Statements to doctors, psychologists, chaplains, and members of the clergy may put service members in court and discharge proceedings. Commanders may seize and read personal diaries, letters, and computer files to search for evidence of homosexuality. Private homes off-base may also be searched." (North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Attorneys) These discharges result in gay and lesbian soldiers losing what little benefits the military gives (Servicemembers Legal Defense Network).