Lesbians Bear Brunt of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Debates about gays in the military have focused on men, but new information reveals that lesbians have faced much greater "don't ask, don't tell" challenges. Although women make up only 15% of Army and Air Force personnel, nearly half of the soldiers and airmen discharged for open homosexuality were women. Both the military and gay rights groups are uncertain of what causes the disparity.

The Times reports that the number of gay men and lesbians discharged rose last year to 627, despite massive personnel pressure from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The "don't ask, don't tell" compromise allows gay men and lesbians—who currently make up about 65,000 troops—to serve so long as they keep their sexuality a secret. (More Don't Ask, Don't Tell stories.)