THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 6, 1995 TAG: 9510060533
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
Dirk Selland has sued Defense Secretary William Perry and Navy Secretary John E. Dalton, claiming he was denied a promotion because he is gay.
Selland, a native of Salisbury, Md., said he was one of three officers in a group of 203 who were turned down for a promotion.
``My pay is being held stagnant and I'm being held back regardless of performance,'' Selland said. ``I was not surprised, but I was disappointed.''
Selland, who was seeking promotion from lieutenant junior grade to full lieutenant, told a Navy chaplain he was homosexual in 1993, and was transferred from the nuclear submarine where he was stationed. He is now serving as a supply officer in Norfolk.
The Navy tried to discharge him in April but he has received an injunction allowing him to stay in the Navy while his suit is pending, Selland said.
Selland's suit claims the military's ``Don't ask, Don't tell'' policy is unconstitutional.
A hearing is scheduled for later this month.
His promotion was turned down despite supportive letters from three U.S. senators - Barbara Mikulski, D-Md.; Charles Robb, D-Va.; and Paul Sarbanes, D-Md. - and five House members - Barney Frank, D-Mass.; Wayne Gilchrest, R-Md.; Constance Morella, R-Md.; Patricia Schroeder, D-Colo.; and Gerry Studds, D-Mass.
In her letter to the board, dated Aug. 1, 1995, Mikulski said, ``The only criteria for military service should be the ability to serve - not one's race, gender or sexual orientation. I urge you to base your decision on Lt. Selland's promotion on the quality of his work.''
Navy spokesman Denny Moynihan said promotion boards deliberations are confidential, but members only consider performance records. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Dirk Selland said he was one of three officers in a group of 203 who
were turned down for a promotion. He claims he didn't become a full
lieutenant because he is gay. by CNB