Task force launched to root out anti-Christian bias in VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs stood up a task force that will address anti-Christian bias in the VA. Senator Richard Blumenthal was among those who criticized this action, stating that it lacks factual basis or rationale. Activities that would be looked at include instances of ignoring religious objections to LGBTQ+ related treatment as well as department responses to religious exemptions.
From Military Times:
“While religious discrimination must be forbidden and fought, this internal VA memo lacks any factual basis or rationale,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “It raises the specter of dividing the veteran community and favoring some religions over others.”
In a department-wide memo distributed Monday, VA Secretary Doug Collins said that a new department task force will “review all instances of anti-Christian bias” throughout VA operations. That includes “adverse responses to requests for religious exemption” and “any observations of mistreatment for not participating in events or activities inconsistent with Christian views.”
In the past, some employees have claimed discrimination for being required to provide treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals or birth control medication to patients, claiming religious objections. Advocates have countered that veterans should not have their medical options curtailed because of individuals’ personal beliefs.
Collins memo also asks employees to report “any mistreatment or reprimand issued in response to displays of Christian imagery or symbols.”
In February, Collins ordered that displays of flags not in keeping with VA messaging — including LGBTQ+ Pride flags and other advocacy banners — be removed from department workspaces and common areas. It is not clear if flags with Christian imagery will now be exempted from that policy.
Additional Reading:
Shane III, L. (2025, April 23). Officials launch task force to root out ‘anti-Christian bias’ in VA. Military Times. Link.
Category: Veteran Health Care, Veterans' Affairs Department
I wasn’t for this till I saw Blumenthal was against it. Now I kind of think there might be something to it.
Like educators should learn it doesn’t mean taking kids’ Bibles away or screaming they’re “racist” if they mention God, too.
Phuque DaNang “The Dick” Blowthemall. Coupla questions… (a) why is this mofo still stealing oxygen and (b) why is he on the Armed Services Committee? Yeah, I know, military service is NOT a requirement (my own rino kongress klown kritter HoR is NOT a vet…but he IS a POS that was very instrumental in the whole “name change” and the removal of The Reconciliation Peace Monument @ Arlington…PHUQUE HEEM…too), but maybe…just maybe…some sort of Military Service should be a requirement. YMMV
Just my humble opinion but face it..Ever since The Cool Blaque Guy JEF showed up with his fake birth certificate, Christians…and especially whyte pee pill Christians have been under attack. Seems like every other group except Whyte pee pill Christians, and especially Southerners are allowed to have their culture and traditions…and Monuments. Change my mind…I’ll wait. Full disclosure…Good luck with that!
They did build statues to a drugged out robber of pregnant women and thief.
How dare you question the sanctity of St. Floyd of Fentanyl! Check your privilege! /S/?
Jane Fonda has more time in country than him.
My Commandant of Cadets in ROTC was her biggest fan…
If Little Dickie is all wound up about this, there might actually be some merit behind it.
Also, I have to point out the hypocrisy of saying employees aren’t allowed to claim a religious exemption to providing care for things they don’t believe in. These lunatics will literally demand you go along with their “religion,” while denying you the right to express yours in response.
Regarding that last line, the simple solution is no flags at all, Christian, rainbow, or otherwise, with the sole exception of the American flag. Can’t complain that someone is favored when no one is favored.
Yeah, there’s bias.
Mikey “Whinestain” had a whole “MRFF Victory!”post the other day because some turd wrote him a letter bragging about tossing out flyers at the VA providing info on religiously-based solutions for mental health. (This is three levels of sickness here.)
Sidenote: if you want a good time, read—and comment on—-MRFF’s periodic “winning!!” posts on Facebook. Truly a riot. I regularly check his website and invariably find 15 way to “DONATE” but no ways to ask them for assistance.
Since when did. “Lacking Factual Basis” ever stop the Dems?