Wichita Standard

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal has publicly criticized a recent initiative by Secretary Doug Collins to create an Anti-Christian Bias Task Force within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). According to Blumenthal, the move lacks factual grounding and could potentially create division within the veteran community by suggesting governmental favoritism of one religion.

"While religious discrimination must be forbidden and fought, this internal VA memo lacks any factual basis or rationale. It raises the specter of dividing the veteran community and favoring some religions over others," stated Blumenthal. He emphasized the historical importance of religious freedom for which veterans have fought, asserting, "The First Amendment ensures that all religions and faiths are treated equally, with full freedom of worship. The government should be vigilant never to endorse or favor one religion above others. All veterans deserve equal respect and dignity."

Doug Collins had earlier communicated to all VA employees via email, detailing the establishment of the Task Force and urging them to report instances of perceived anti-Christian discrimination by providing names, dates, and locations.