Army’s pro-gay jewellery offensive

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 5 Jan 2014.

The Australian Army plans to release a range of cuff-links and lapel pins that will be “symbolic of Army as an inclusive organisation that respects diversity and supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex soldiers and officers.”

The cuff-links and lapel pins will feature the Army’s Rising Sun badge superimposed on a six-coloured rainbow backdrop, a symbol of gay and lesbian political activism.

Major Bernard Gaynor, who served three tours of duty in Iraq, said it was “an insult to all current and former serving personnel for the Rising Sun to be linked with the political campaign for homosexual ‘marriage’.”

It is ironic that, despite facing funding cuts, the Department of Defence can find money to create a range of jewellery to promote alternative sexual lifestyles.  The Department ought to be spending its limited funds on items that will enable our nation’s soldiers – regardless of their sexual preferences – to better defend our country.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.