After a backlash for declaring the military exists to defend gay rights, Sweden’s army has promised to “never give up” promoting its support for LGBT issues.
“Our task is to defend your right to live with whoever you want, as whoever you want, and in any way that you want, and we will go to any lengths to do it,” Sweden’s army proclaimed through its Facebook page on Monday, marking the start of LGBT Pride week.
The armed forces are “prepared to go to any lengths” in its duty to “work to uphold justice and equality, and for the recognition that everyone is of equal value,” added the post, which is attached to a picture of military boots adorned with rainbow coloured laces.
Not everyone was happy with the message, however, as it was quickly met with replies suggesting that the army’s job should be defending Sweden rather than promoting so-called “values”, with one Facebook user asking: “Are you so lost in the rainbow mist that you’ve forgotten you’re supposed to be warriors?”
Invoking the current year in one response to detractors, the army said: “It is important that the armed forces take a stand, and show that we stand up for the equal value of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender identity.
“The year is 2017, but there still seem to be many people for whom this fact is not obvious, and that’s why we must demonstrate that the Swedish army is committed to the issue.”
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