Female Service
Members Disproportionately Affected by DADT

Women in uniform are disproportionately affected by "don't ask, don't tell," according to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, an advocacy group for military personnel. While women account for approximately 15% of the Army and the Air Force, they make up nearly half of all DADT discharges. "'Don't ask, don't tell' is often used as a weapon of vengeance against service members.Women in particular have been caught in the crosshairs of this counterproductive law," said SLDN director Aubrey Sarvis. "Our nation is safer and more secure because of the contributions made by all women, including lesbian and bisexual women, in the armed forces," said Commander Zoe Dunning, USNR (ret.), and SLDN board cochair. Dunning explained the damage that can be caused by laws like DADT. "The ban disrupts troop morale and weakens unit cohesion by forcing commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan, and around the world, to separate qualified and well trained personnel for no other reason than they are suspected of being gay." According to Pentagon statistics from 2007, the armed forces continues to discharge nearly two service members per day under "don't ask, don't tell." (The Advocate)