In light of President George Bush's recent call for as many as 50,000 reservists and the military's state of heightened alert, the Pentagon has issued an order suspending discharges -- including those of service members who disclose their homosexuality, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

Under current "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, gay and lesbians who disclose their sexual orientation face discharge from the military.

"(A) stop-loss (order) has been authorised," Maj. James P. Cassella, of the assistant secretary of defence for public affairs' office told the paper. "However, consistent with past practices, administrative discharges (medical, hardship, suitability) could continue under stop loss."

"Gays and lesbians would be allowed to serve during any war, just as they do now, as long as they remain in compliance with the homosexual conduct policy."

This is the second time in recent history that a "stop loss" order has been issued, the first being the Persian Gulf War ten years ago. However, implementation of the order is at the discretion of commanders, and during the Gulf War only "essential personnel" were deployed.

While gay men and lesbians will be able to serve in the event of a war, the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), believes that those who choose to disclose they are gay might face discharge after the conflict is ended, as happened to gay troops after the Gulf War.

C. Dixon Osburn, Executive Director of Servicemembers Legal Defence Network (SLDN) said in a statement, "Any order should not be a temporary reflection of gays' and lesbians' ability to be put in harm's way in defence of our freedoms� but a permanent recognition of their right to serve our nation in times of both war and peace.

"'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is an unworkable policy that, among other things, provides an opportunity for those who seek to avoid service while also preventing gays and lesbians who very much want to serve from doing so. It is simply bad policy that is counterproductive to our national interests."

Steve Ralls of the Washington-based advocacy group for gay and lesbian service personnel couldn't have raised a better point, "It also sends the unfortunate message that while there are (gay men and lesbians) who put themselves in harm's way, who risked their lives for the country, they can expect to be fired from their job" once the conflict is over."