Space Force General Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt gave a speech at a Pentagon Pride event, slamming more than 400 anti-LGBTQ state-level bills. She claimed that these bills were forcing her to hire ‘less qualified’ candidates.
A high-ranking Space Force officer has spoken out slamming a slew of recent anti-LGBTQ state laws, saying they have a negative impact on military families and force readiness.
Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt made the remarks in a fiery speech at the 12th Annual DoD LGBTQ+ Pride Event in Washington DC, saying that the laws sometimes forced her to choose ‘less qualified’ candidates for postings in those states.
‘Since January of this year, more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at the state level,’ said Burt, the Space Force’s deputy chief of space operations.
‘That number is rising and demonstrates a trend that could be dangerous for service members, their families, and the readiness of the force as a whole,’ the general added.
Burt explained that in some cases, the most qualified candidate for a transfer or promotion might be passed over, if the laws in the state of the new posting could negatively impact them or their families.
The general explained: ‘When I look at potential candidates, say, for squadron command, I strive to match the right person to the right job.
‘I consider their job performance and relevant experience first. However, 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 their 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.
‘Those barriers are a threat to our readiness, and they have a direct correlation to the resiliency and wellbeing of our most important operational advantage: our people.’
Space Force’s press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com on Thursday evening.
However, a spokesperson for the branch told Fox News Digital: ‘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 official said.
Russia has made significant investments in military laser technology, with its main three combat laser systems being called Zadira, Peresvet, and Sokol-Eshelon.
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