Air Force Lt. Col. Sues to Block “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

The following is an excerpt from a story by The Washington Post:

“A gay rights group wants a federal court in Idaho to block the U.S. Air Force from discharging an aviator under the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ law that bars openly gay and lesbian military members from service.

“Servicemembers Legal Defense Network filed its lawsuit Wednesday in federal court in Boise, asking for a temporary restraining order to stop the Air Force from discharging Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach until a full hearing can be scheduled. It also wants the law declared unconstitutional.

“Fehrenbach, a 19-year military member who has been decorated for his combat valor in Iraq, disclosed he was gay in 2008 as he defended himself against allegations investigated by the Boise Police Department that he raped another man. Fehrenbach said he had sex with the man, but it was consensual.

“He was cleared of the rape allegations, including by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, which found them to be without merit, according to court documents filed Wednesday.

“But he still faces ouster from the military.

“Servicemembers Legal Defense Network indicated it filed its lawsuit because it believes Fehrenbach’s discharge is imminent, following the recent review of his case by officials on the Air Force Personnel Board.

“‘Lt. Col. Fehrenbach could be discharged within days,’ the Washington, D.C.-based group said.

“For two years now, Fehrenbach said he has been stuck at a desk, rather than being allowed to deploy as a weapons systems officer in an F-15E jet to combat theaters in Iraq or Afghanistan.

“‘I have been waiting more than two years for the Air Force to do the right thing by letting me continue to proudly serve my country,’ Fehrenbach said in a statement. ‘To say that I’m disappointed with where things stand would be a monumental understatement. I’m ready, willing, and able to deploy tomorrow, but I’m barred from deployment, because of this unjust, discriminatory law.’

“The policy 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.

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

“…Fehrenbach fears he’ll be discharged before any changes.

“‘If discharged, Lt. Col. Fehrenbach will lose his job, income, right to pension (since he is being discharged approximately one year short of the twenty year mark), health and life insurance, and all other benefits associated with being an Air Force officer,’ according to court documents filed Wednesday.

“He ‘will be terminated from a career which is central to his life and identity, and has been for nearly nineteen years,’ the documents said.”

Read the full The Washington Post story >>

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