WASHINGTON — A top Space Force general gave a scathing speech last week calling out “anti-LGBTQ+” state laws, saying such legislation occasionally prevents her from picking the most qualified job candidates.
Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt, the force’s deputy chief of space operations for operations, cyber, and nuclear, made the comment at the Pentagon’s Pride event, where she bemoaned what she described as difficulties placing LGBTQ+ and female guardians in roles that are based in states that have passed purported anti-trans, anti-gay and anti-abortion laws.
“Since January of this year, more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at the state level,” she said. “That number is rising and demonstrates a trend that could be dangerous for service members, their families, and the readiness of the force as a whole.”
Burt appeared to be alluding to the more than 20 states that have banned sex change operations for minors, as well as others that have enacted abortion bans and restrictions.
“When I look at potential candidates — say for squadron command — I strive to match the right person to the right job. I consider their job performance and relevant experience first,” Burt went on. “However, I also look at their personal circumstances and their family is also an important factor.”
“If a good match for a job does not feel safe being themselves and performing at their highest potential at a given location, I am compelled to consider a different candidate and perhaps less qualified,” she continued.
The general said she was called to speak at the June 7 event “because creating opportunities for conversations where we can find those individuals is critical to readiness, and resilience and overall well-being of our force.”
“Transformational cultural change requires leadership from the top, and we do not have time to wait,” Burt said. “Those barriers are a threat to our readiness, and they have a direct correlation to the resiliency and well-being of our most important operational advantage: our people.”
Burt’s comments were picked up Thursday by a rapid response Twitter account supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign, which vowed the Republican contender would “end this woke insanity on Day One” of his administration.
“Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt was nominated for her promotion from brigadier general to major general in May of 2020 by then President Donald Trump,” DeSantis press secretary Jeremy Redfern pointed out.
“This lady should be fired immediately,” tweeted National Review editor Rich Lowry in response.
“Whatever one thinks about DeSantis, we ought to all be able to agree that this is crazy,” tweeted attorney Casey Mattox.
Burt’s speech became public after House Republicans advanced a draft Pentagon budget that would slash funding for so-called “gender-affirming care,” as well as paid leave and travel for female service members seeking an abortion.
Another provision would ban the department from spending any money to “discriminate” against people who speak or act against gay marriage in the service of a “sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction.”
It also would cut the Pentagon’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which include initiatives that cater to minorities, women and the LGBTQ+ community in an attempt to “level the playing field” with straight white men.
DEI has been a top priority for President Biden, who has signed several executive orders demanding that all federal agencies create annual plans to expand DEI initiatives.
