Lesbian Holds Sit-In After Rejection At Indy Guard Office

INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis lesbian who tried to enlist in the Indiana National Guard and was rejected Thursday morning is conducting a sit-in outside a guard recruiting office.

The two sides disagreed about what caused Julie Benson to be rejected, 6News' Norman Cox reported.

Benson said she is a strong opponent of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which excludes practicing gays and lesbians from the military. Benson contends that policy wastes a large pool of talent who could become good soldiers.

Cameras were not permitted inside the guard office as Benson tried to enlist. Benson said she was rejected because of her sexual orientation, but a guard representative said Benson was turned away because of her weight.

"I spoke with our recruiters, and she was rejected based on physical conditioning and not meeting the height-weight policy to enter into the Indiana National Guard," said Lt. Col. Deedra Thombleson.

"I was specifically told by the recruiter that I was rejected according to the policy and having outed myself because of my sexual orientation," Benson said.

Thombleson said the gender issue did not come up in the discussion. One of the recruiters later clarified that Benson brought it up herself after he application had already been rejected over the physical condition issue.

Benson said she was prepared to be arrested. Police said they won't arrest her as long as she is outside the door and isn't blocking it.