WASHINGTON – A top Space Force general delivered a scathing speech last week criticizing “anti-LGBTQ+” state laws, saying such laws sometimes prevent him from choosing the most qualified job applicants.
Lt. Gen. Deanna Bart, the service’s deputy director for space operations, operations, cyber and nuclear, made a statement at a Pentagon pride event lamenting the difficulty of getting LGBTQ+ and female guardians into state-based roles. rice field. She passed anti-trans, anti-gay and anti-abortion laws.
“More than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at the state level since January this year,” she said. “Their numbers are rising and show trends that could be dangerous to military personnel, their families and the readiness of the military as a whole.”
Bart appears to be referring to more than 20 states that have banned sex reassignment surgery on minors, as well as other states that have enacted bans or restrictions on abortion.
“When I look at potential candidates, for example company commanders, I try to match the right people to the right jobs. I’ll think about it,” Burt continued. “But I also consider their personal circumstances, and their families are also an important factor.”
“If the right person for the job doesn’t feel safe to be themselves and perform to the best of their ability in a given space, I have no choice but to consider another candidate, perhaps a less qualified candidate. I don’t get it,” she continued.
The general said she was invited to speak at the June 7 event. She said “because creating opportunities for conversation where such people can be found is critical to the responsiveness, resilience and overall health of our military.”
“Culture change requires leadership at the top, but there is no time to wait,” Bart said. “These barriers are a threat to our responsiveness and are directly correlated to our most important operational advantage: employee resilience and well-being.”
Bart’s comments were swiftly responded on Thursday by a Twitter account supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign, with the Republican candidate promising:End this awakened madness on day oneof his administration.
“Lieutenant. General Deanna Burt was nominated for promotion from brigadier general to major general by then-President Donald Trump in May 2020.” DeSantis spokesman Jeremy Redfern said:.
“This woman should be fired immediately.” National Review editor Rich Rowley tweeted In response to the.
“No matter what anyone thinks about DeSantis, we can all agree that this is insane.” Lawyer Casey Mattox tweeted.
Bart’s speech came after House Republicans introduced a Pentagon budget proposal that cuts funding for so-called “gender-positive care,” paid leave and travel for female service members who want abortions. .
Another provision prohibits the ministry from spending money to “discriminate” against those who say or act against same-sex marriage because of their “good faith or moral beliefs.”
It will also reduce the Department of Defense’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program, which includes efforts to accommodate minorities, women, and the LGBTQ+ community in an effort to create a “level playing field” with heterosexual white men. become.
The DEI is one of President Biden’s top priorities, and he has signed several executive orders requiring all federal agencies to develop annual plans to expand their DEI efforts.