Some residents are protesting after the Veterans Administration flew an LGBTQ+ pride flag at Mississippi's Biloxi National Cemetery.
All the Republicans in the state's congressional delegation have signed a letter demanding the VA remove the flag. The delegation's only Democrat, Rep. Bennie Thompson, did not sign it.Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough McDonough has authorized flying the pride flag at all VA facilities throughout June, as he has done in previous years.
The VA said in a statement that it's flying the flag to show its commitment “to inclusion and as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of LGBTQ+ Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
Federal judges have blocked enforcement of laws in Alabama and Arkansas, and Oklahoma has agreed to not enforce its ban while opponents seek a temporary court order blocking it. Every major doctors' group, including the American Medical Association, has opposed the bans and supported the care for youth when administered appropriately.Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.