‘Traditional values’ groups oppose Navy’s Harvey Milk ship plans because he was gay
Evangelical groups have come out swinging against proposals to name a Navy ship after assassinated gay rights icon Harvey Milk.
Milk served in the navy during the Korean War, long before he was elected a San Francisco city supervisor and assassinated.
Plans were revealed last week to name a ship the USNS Harvey Milk in honour of the icon, though the announcement has not yet been made official
But the conservative Christian group Family Research Council says it will oppose the plans, because Milk had gay sex while serving.
The group’s leader Tony Perkins complained: “Milk is famous only for winning one election, being murdered — and having sex with men.”
He added: “The news should be astounding to anyone familiar with Milk and his less-than-honourable life story.
“Although he served briefly in the Navy, nothing he did merits the kind of tribute Mabus is giving him.
“The Navy seems intent on following in the administration’s ridiculous footsteps and bestowing a great honor on someone primarily on the basis of his sex life.”
He continued: “A life marred by promotion of illegal drug use, sexual exploits, and lies doesn’t deserve one of the greatest military distinctions — especially not with so many genuine heroes to choose from.
“If you’re as disturbed by [Navy Secretary Ray] Mabus’s plans as we are, bring this up to your House and Senate leaders while they’re home campaigning and hosting townhalls.
“Let them know that the Navy’s idea is an outrageous one when there are so many other deserving men and women, whose courage mattered — not in the bedroom — but on the battlefield.”
