A high-ranking Space Force officer has spoken out against a series of recent anti-LGBTQ laws, saying they negatively impact military families and force readiness.
Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt made the remarks in a fiery speech at the DoD’s 12th Annual LGBTQ+ Pride Event in Washington DC, saying laws sometimes require her to choose “less qualified” candidates for positions in these states.
“Since January of this year, over 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at the state level,” said Burt, Space Force Deputy Chief of Space Operations.
“This number is growing and demonstrates a trend that could be dangerous to service members, their families, and the readiness of the force as a whole,” the general added.
Burt explained that in some cases, the most qualified candidate for a transfer or promotion could be passed over, if the laws of the state of the new assignment could negatively impact them or their families.
A high-ranking Space Force officer has spoken out against a series of recent anti-LGBTQ laws, saying they negatively impact military families and force readiness
The general explained: “When I look at potential candidates, for example, for squadron command, I strive to match the right person to the right position.
“I first consider their job performance and relevant experience. However, I also look at their personal situation, and their family is also an important factor.
“If a good candidate for a job doesn’t feel safe being themselves and working to their best potential in a given place, or if their family could be denied essential health care because of the laws of this State, I am obliged to consider another candidate, and, perhaps less qualified.
“These obstacles pose a threat to our preparedness, and they have a direct correlation to the resilience and well-being of our most important operational advantage: our people.”
The Space Force press office did not immediately respond to a DailyMail.com request for comment Thursday evening.
However, a branch spokesperson said Fox News Digital“To stay ahead of our pace challenge and win in a competitive environment, leaders must identify and remove the barriers facing their teams.”
“We have the best talents in the Nation, and we must allow them to accomplish their missions by ensuring that they do not worry about the health and safety of their families,” the official said.
“The Department of the Air Force recognizes that various laws and legislation are being proposed and passed in states across the Americas that may affect Airmen, Custodians, and/or their LGBTQ dependents in different ways.”
Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt said anti-LGBTQ state laws sometimes forced him to choose “less qualified” candidates for positions in those states.
A Navy Hospital member serves cake for Pride Month on the decks of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier Thursday. Nimitz is in the U.S. 7th Fleet conducting routine operations
Airmen build a cardboard boat during a Pride Month event last week at Luke AFB in Arizona. The Luke Pride Committee is hosting several events throughout June
“We have worked to inform and educate our members about the posting, medical, legal and other resources available to support Airmen, Guardians and their families,” the official added.
Earlier this month, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin released a statement pledging to ensure that our LGBTQ+ personnel across the Joint Force can continue to serve the country we all love with dignity and pride.
“To defend our republic and win its wars, the ranks of the United States military must remain open to all qualified patriots seeking to serve,” he said.
However, at a recent press conference, Pentagon spokesman Air Force Brig. General Pat Ryder reiterated the Department of Defense’s “long-standing policy” of banning drag shows on military installations.
He said that during a congressional hearing in April, the Pentagon learned of “drag events that were to take place at DOD facilities and facilities.”
“Again, the secretary has indicated that the department will not be hosting such events,” Ryder said.
According to a report released last week by the Human Rights Campaign, state legislatures have introduced more than 525 bills this year that “attack the LGBTQ+ community.”
The group, which is the nation’s largest organization devoted to LGBTQ rights, said more than 220 of the bills relate to the transgender community.and more than 70 have become law.
A number of states have passed laws banning or restricting transgender medical procedures for minors, a divisive issue that has sparked intense debate on both sides.
Other laws relate to restrictions on transgender youth’s participation in school sports, restroom rules, and restrictions on drag performances.
Florida has become a hot spot for such measures, with Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, signing bills this spring banning young people from drag shows and restricting how they learn about LGBTQ issues in the schools.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro speaks to Cmdr. Emily ‘Hawking’ Shilling at the Ministry of Defence’s 12th Annual Pride Month Celebration. The Office of Navy Personnel recently granted medical flight status waiver to Shilling, making her the first transgender naval aviator in the Navy to be post-transitioned cleared to fly.
A slew of US states have introduced or passed laws restricting transgender participation in athletics, another hotly contested issue.
DeSantis, and others in favor of the measures, say they are key to protecting children from adult sexual topics they are too young to tackle.
Critics argue that the measures are discriminatory and violate the freedom of speech and other rights of people in the LGBTQ community.
The renewed debate on LGBTQ issues, and in particular transgender issues, has made this month of pride, celebrated each June, a particularly busy month.
On Saturday, President Joe Biden also slammed the state’s slew of new measures, calling them “terrifying” attacks on LGBTQ rights.
“When families across the country face excruciating decisions to move to another state to protect their child from dangerous anti-LGTBQ laws, we must act,” Biden said.
“We must push back against the hundreds of ruthless and cynical bills introduced in states targeting transgender children, terrifying families and criminalizing doctors and nurses,” he said.
“These bills and laws attack the most basic values and freedoms we have as Americans,” he said, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd, where many wore rainbow colors. rainbows, shorts and sundresses, and some were dressed in drag.
As president, Biden reversed a ban on transgender people serving in the military, issued a new order to stop conversion therapy, and signed the Respecting Marriage Act, which federally recognizes transgender people. gay marriages.
