Staff Reports
Employing Taxpayer Money to Fund "Pride" Events for Service Members.
The US Air Force has authorized the use of taxpayer funds to cover the travel costs of service members who wish to attend forthcoming "pride" events hosted by the Department of the Air Force (DAF) in Washington, DC. According to the memorandum issued by Marianne Malizia, the director of the Air Force's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Air and Space Force branch commanders are authorized to use "unit funds" to facilitate the travel and participation of service members, pending approval from their respective supervisory authorities.
Air Force Using Taxpayer Dollars to Fly Service Members to Pride Events https://t.co/DsNAGWpJMg
— RedState (@RedState) June 7, 2023
Conservatives and Republicans oppose this decision by the US Air Force, arguing that taxpayer dollars should not be used to finance events that are "not necessary" and "counter-productive" to the department's goals and objectives. This week, Republican Montana representative Matt Rosendale introduced legislation prohibiting the Department of Defense (DOD) from endorsing, hosting, or financing adult cabaret performances. Adult cabaret performance is defined by the bill as including topless or go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, or impersonators of either gender.
BREAKING: "Pride at the Pentagon": Troops, don't miss out on your opportunity to use taxpayer dollars to travel to Pride Month at the Pentagon beginning this Thursday, 8 June.🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️✊🏿 🧵 Check out the official memos in this thread… pic.twitter.com/WhrNLSxslb
— Matt Lohmeier 🇺🇸 (@matthewlohmeier) June 6, 2023
Rosendale has stated that anything that does not help our soldiers become the most effective fighting force on the planet is a waste of resources and a diversion. In addition, Reps. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), and Ryan Harriet Hageman (R-WY) are cosponsors of the bill.
In addition, the US Air Force issued a similar memo in May recognizing June as "Pride Month" and authorizing Air Force installation commanders to organize and carry out appropriate activities. Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada was scheduled to host an all-ages drag performance as one of the events. The event was ultimately canceled due to pressure from congressional Republicans. A spokesperson for the Air Force later verified that the organization would discontinue hosting drag events at its installations and facilities.
This latest decision by the DAF to allow taxpayer funds to be used for pride events has been criticized by conservatives and Republicans who believe the military should be more focused on its primary mission of defending the nation and its superiority as a combat force. This promotion of gender politics has no place in the military and functions only to appease the left.
