**Mississippi Congressman Opposes LGBT Pride Flag at VA Facility: Politics Have No Place in Veterans Affairs**
Mississippi Republican Rep. Mike Ezell has expressed his disapproval of an LGBT Pride flag flown at a Veterans Affairs facility in his state. In a letter to VA officials, Ezell argued that political or social ideology should not be promoted on the premises of institutions meant to serve veterans.
Ezell directed his concerns to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough and Interim Medical Center Director of the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System Stephanie Repasky. In his letter, the congressman contended that VA facilities should be dedicated to serving veterans – not to promoting sociopolitical causes. He took issue with the Pride flag being flown at the Biloxi VA facility, stating that it promotes a particular social policy or political statement.
Ezell reiterated his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect. However, he asserted that VA grounds should not be used to promote any social or political agenda, as speaking for the government and military. He requested the removal of the Pride flag – and any other flags promoting social policy positions or political statements – from the facility.
Despite Rep. Ezell’s objection, McDonough has expressed his support for displaying Pride flags at VA facilities. In 2022, he even authorized the flying of the controversial flag for up to 30 days in June. In a tweet, McDonough celebrated the service and sacrifice of LGBTQ+ veterans, stating that he was proud to fly the Pride flag over VA facilities and serve the community every day.
**Keep Veterans Affairs Focused on Serving Veterans: Remove Political Flags and Focus on Providing Quality Care**
In conclusion, Rep. Mike Ezell’s stance against the LGBT Pride flag at VA facilities highlights the importance of keeping the focus on serving and providing quality care to veterans, who deserve our utmost respect. By removing flags that promote social policy positions or political statements, our nation’s institutions can better focus on their primary purpose: valuing and honoring the brave men and women who have served their country.
