Defense Leaders Speak Out Against Anti-LGBTQ Attacks in Military

Senior Defense Department officials have warned that the increasing number of state laws targeting the LGBTQ community is hurting the armed forces. The officials specifically referenced the more than 400 anti-LGBTQ-plus laws that have been introduced at the state level since January. The surge of state legislation related to the LGBTQ community has passed this year, aimed primarily at regulating curriculum in public schools and restricting gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. The Pentagon’s diversity and inclusion policies have been criticized by Republican lawmakers, who say they distract from preparing for war and hurt recruiting efforts.