Controversy Surrounds Pentagon's Ban on Drag Shows at Military Installations

The Pentagon's recent ban on drag shows on military bases has upset both supporters and opponents. Supporters want the ban to become official and permanent, while opponents say the ban reverses past policy and could hurt already anemic recruiting. Defense officials familiar with details of several recent events that were canceled said that in most cases, private groups paid for the events and even rented the venues, and no Defense Department funds were used. Conservatives say the Pentagon has sent mixed messages about drag shows, and some members of Congress are proposing laws to forbid "adult cabaret."