The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a group that supports the repeal of the policy that prohibits gay service members from openly serving in the military, is warning gay, lesbian, or bisexual service members against taking part in the survey that has been sent out by the Pentagon. According to a feature on the Navy Times, the group has concerns regarding the privacy of those who will take part in the survey.

Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of SLDN, gave the following statement: “[SLDN] at this time … cannot recommend that lesbian, gay, or bisexual service members participate in any survey being administered by the Department of Defense, the Pentagon Working Group, or any third-party contractors. While the surveys are apparently designed to protect the individual’s privacy, there is no guarantee of privacy, and DoD has not agreed to provide immunity to service members whose privacy may be inadvertently violated or who inadvertently outs himself or herself. If a service member still wishes to participate, he or she should only do so in a manner that does not reveal sexual orientation.”

SLDN is lobbying for the lifting of the ban against openly gay service members and provides free legal services to service members who are affected by this ban.

The Pentagon has explained, though, that the privacy of those who will participate in the survey will be protected through a “confidential communications mechanism,” among other things. SLDN has said, however, that the assurances provided by the Pentagon have not been satisfactory.