Navy to Rename Ship Honoring LGBTQ Rights Leader Milk
Above: A photo of the new USNS Harvey Milk is displayed during a ship naming ceremony Aug. 16, 2016 in San Francisco, California. Image copyright: Justin Sullivan/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Right narrative
Secretary Hegseth is correcting a misguided decision that honored someone whose personal conduct was questionable. The military should focus on warrior culture and traditional values rather than woke political correctness. Milk's documented problematic relationships make him an inappropriate namesake for a naval vessel.
Left narrative
Stripping Milk's name from this ship is bigotry disguised as military reform. Harvey Milk was a decorated Korean War veteran who served his country with honor before being forced out for his sexual orientation. This erasure of LGBTQ+ history weakens the military by erasing the goal of equality.
