Lesbian soldier says she feared filing harassment claims  | News | Advocate.com

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April 28, 2006
Lesbian soldier says she feared filing harassment claims

A female soldier testified that she didn't report alleged incidents of sexual harassment and assault by a superior because she is a lesbian and feared that she might get discharged if others found out. The woman revealed she was a lesbian in testimony Tuesday at the Pennsylvania trial of former sergeant Douglas Walters, a member of the Army Reserve Unit 298th Maintenance Co.

"I did not want to make waves. I had a personal life I wanted to keep separate from the Army," the woman testified.

The Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" policy prohibits the military from asking about the sexual orientation of service members and requires those who acknowledge being gay or engage in homosexual activity to be discharged.

"People in the Army don't know I dated girls," the woman testified. "If I made waves, I was afraid I'd get discharged for it."

The revelation surprised courtroom observers. When asked by defense attorney Norman Callan why she waited until trial to reveal her sexual orientation, the woman replied, "You asked, and I told." Callan asked for a recess after her testimony.

County prosecutors said Walters, 47, of Altoona, Pa., verbally harassed the woman over a long period of time. He was charged with aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault after he allegedly assaulted the woman in his car in July.

The woman testified that she was ordered by Walters to accompany him on a shopping trip and that refusing the order could have led to military discipline. The woman reported the incident the next day to another sergeant after he noticed that she looked depressed. A superior then told Logan Township police.

Blair County assistant district attorney Ilissa Zimmerman said the jury had to decide if contact between Walters and the woman was consensual. Walters has admitted to the Army that he violated military regulations, although his attorney argued that Walters's actions might not be criminal. (AP)

© 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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