Space Force general admits she lets 'anti-LGBTQ+ laws' impact hiring decisions — resulting in 'less qualified' personnel

A top Space Force commander admitted last week that "anti-LGBTQ+ laws" affect her hiring practices.

Speaking at a Pentagon Pride event, Space Force Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt slammed "anti-LGBTQ+ laws" and admitted that such laws sometimes force her to pass over qualified candidates because of their personal or familial circumstances.

"Since January of this year, more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at the state level," she said. "That number is rising and demonstrates a trend that could be dangerous for our service members, their families, and the readiness of the force as a whole."

That danger, Lt. Gen. Burt explained, is that more qualified candidates may be passed over for jobs because those "anti-LGBTQ+ laws" may impact them.

"When I look at potential candidates, say for squadron command, I strive to match the right person to the right job," she said. "I consider their job performance and relevant experience first.

"However," she continued, "I also look at their personal circumstances, and their family is also an important factor. If a good match for a job does not feel safe being themselves and performing at the highest potential at a given location, or if their family could be denied critical health care due to the laws in that state, I am compelled to consider a different candidate and perhaps less qualified."

It's not exactly clear what laws Lt. Gen. Burt was referring to.

On one hand, she may be referring to laws that ban life-altering transgender-related medical procedures, what liberals call "gender-affirming" care," for minors. On the other hand, she may be referring to states that have, within the bounds of the Constitution, placed limits on abortion.

While Lt. Gen. Burt framed such laws negatively, proponents of them argue they are necessary to protect children and unborn lives.

TheBlaze reached out to the Space Force for comment, but did not receive a response by press time.

An official for the Space Force, however, provided Fox News with a statement, which said:

To stay ahead of our pacing challenge and win in a competitive environment, leaders must identify and remove barriers facing their teams. We have the top talent in the Nation, and we must enable them to perform their missions by ensuring they are not worried about the health and safety of their families. The Department of the Air Force recognizes that various laws and legislation are being proposed and passed in states across America that may affect LGBTQ Airmen, Guardians, and/or their LGBTQ dependents in different ways.

We have worked to inform and educate our members on the assignment, medical, legal and other resources available to support Airmen, Guardians and their families.

"I am proudly here as an ally," Lt. Gen. Burt later said at the event.

2023 DoD Pride Eventwww.youtube.com

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