Lesbian Fired Under DADT When Local Cops Turn Her In To Air Force

A lesbian sergeant in the Air Force has been fired under DADT after local police in South Dakota reported her to base commanders. Police were at Rene Newsome's home seeking her wife on a warrant when they saw the couple's marriage certificate from Iowa.

Newsome and the American Civil Liberties Union filed a complaint against the western South Dakota police department, claiming the officers violated her privacy when they informed the military about her sexual orientation. The case also highlights concerns over the ability of third parties to “out” service members, especially as the Pentagon has started reviewing the 1993 “don’t ask, don’t tell” law. “I played by ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’” Newsome told The Associated Press by telephone. “I just don’t agree with what the Rapid City police department did. … They violated a lot of internal policies on their end, and I feel like my privacy was violated.” The “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy has come under renewed debate after Defense Secretary Robert Gates called for a sweeping internal study on the law earlier this year. As the review is under way, officials were also expected to suggest ways to relax enforcement that may include minimizing cases of third-party outings. In particular, Gates has suggested that the military might not have to expel someone whose sexual orientation was revealed by a third party out of vindictiveness or suspect motives.

Newsome says the cops retaliated against her because she wouldn't assist in the search for her wife. The police say their officers acted properly. Newsome, a nine year veteran, had planned to make the Air Force her lifelong career.