The ACLU has filed a
class action suit against the Department of Defense because soldiers that are discharged for homosexuality are given only half of the separation pay given to other honorable dischargees. The ACLU notes that this policy is not stipulated in DADT legislation and can be changed without congressional approval.
The lead plaintiff in the case is Richard Collins, a decorated former staff-sergeant in the U.S. Air Force who served for nine years until he was discharged from service under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. 
Mr. Collins's superiors learned that he is gay when two civilian co-workers observed him exchange a kiss with his civilian boyfriend. Mr. Collins received an honorable discharge from the Air Force but discovered after the discharge had been completed that his separation pay had been cut in half on the grounds of "homosexuality." The ACLU and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network first contacted the Defense Department in November 2009 to request that the separation-pay policy be revised to eliminate the discrimination against gay and lesbian service members, but the department has refused to do so. Because of its refusal to change this discriminatory policy, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of New Mexico have filed this class action lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
The ACLU invites more participants in the suit. Hit the link to see if you qualify.
Labels: ACLU, DADT, DOD, lawsuits
