{"id":72501,"date":"2023-06-07T20:10:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-07T20:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2023\/06\/07\/pride-flags-at-va-campuses-irk-republican-lawmakers\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T15:07:39","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T15:07:39","slug":"pride-flags-at-va-campuses-irk-republican-lawmakers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/veterans\/2023\/06\/07\/pride-flags-at-va-campuses-irk-republican-lawmakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Pride flags at VA campuses irk Republican lawmakers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Republican lawmakers are demanding that Veterans Affairs leaders stop allowing LGBT Pride flags<\/a> to be flown at department buildings<\/a> this month, calling it political posturing that could discourage some veterans from seeking care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the department\u2019s top spokesman said there are no plans to pull down the flags, insisting they represent \u201ca symbol of VA\u2019s commitment to inclusion\u201d which will help broaden the department\u2019s outreach efforts. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The showdown is the latest chapter in the ongoing fight between conservative lawmakers and President Joe Biden\u2019s administration over diversity and inclusion efforts, a likely key friction point in next year\u2019s presidential and congressional elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rainbow flags are currently displayed at numerous department medical centers and other buildings. A VA spokesman would not confirm any cases of threats or property damage related to the items in recent weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/twitter.com\/SecVetAffairs\/status\/1532105651513606144<\/a><\/blockquote><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But in a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough this week, the group of Republican lawmakers<\/a> said they want the pro-LGBT symbols removed immediately, calling them political statements that some veterans may find offensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVeterans who have served our country deserve to enter a facility that is free from discrimination and political posturing,\u201d they wrote, casting the pride flags as political statements. \u201cThese men and women were apolitical when they served our country, and we should strive to provide them with an apolitical VA when they seek the care, benefits, and services that they have earned.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The letter was signed by House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, R-Ill., House Armed Services Committee personnel panel Chairman Jim Banks, R-Ind., and several other members of both committees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a separate letter, House and Senate Republicans from Mississippi asked the department to remove a temporary Pride flag from the VA cemetery in Harrison County, calling it a political stunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes said the practice of flying the flags has been allowed in previous years during June, celebrated as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. McDonough authorized the move again this year \u201cas a tribute to the service and sacrifice of LGBTQ+ veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.\u201d Local officials can decide whether to display the flags or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\t