The drop in discharges resulting from the military's ban on open homosexuality -- from 1,273 in 2001 to 612 in 2006 -- has been cited by gay rights activists as evidence that commanders are ignoring the "don't ask, don't tell" policy because they need all the able-bodied soldiers they can get for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, The Washington Times reported Monday.

"Truth be told, I don't think the Pentagon is a big fan of the law anymore," said Steve Ralls, spokesman for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which is seeking to abolish the military's ban on open homosexuality.

However, the Pentagon said in a statement to the Times that the ban is still being enforced.

"Our policy implements the law Congress passed after prolonged research and debate," said Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez. "The department will continue to follow congressional mandate on homosexual conduct.

"We can't speculate as to why the number of discharges has declined."