Congressman asks VA hospitals to stop flying LGBTQ+ Pride flags

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U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman of Arkansas has asked the Department of Veteran Affairs to stop letting VA facilities fly LGBTQ+ Pride flags.

Congressman Westerman told 40/29 News that veterans have called him to complain about the Rainbow Pride flag flying alongside the American flag at the VA in Little Rock.

The Fayetteville VA has a smaller Rainbow pride flag outside the front entrance attached to a light pole.

Westerman said he and the people who contacted him consider the flag a political statement, which shouldn't be encouraged by the military.

"I don't want to see any flag at the VA other than the American flag, the state flag, flags for armed services or POW/MIA," the congressman said.

The VA in Fayetteville declined to interview but said in a statement texted to 40/29 News: "VA facilities fly the flag as a symbol of the VA's commitment to inclusion and as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of LGBTQ+ veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors."

We asked the spokesperson for NWA Pride and Equality for an interview but have not heard back.