Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

June 2018 – The U.S. Air Force has reversed its previous suspension of Colonel Leland Bohannon (photo above) for refusing to sign a certificate of appreciation recognizing the same-sex spouse of a retiring master sergeant. Signing the certificate conflicted with Bohannon’s Christian faith, so he had a higher ranking officer sign it instead.

Bohannon, a decorated combat pilot, was not only stripped of his command. He was also removed from consideration for promotion to brigadier general.

First Liberty Institute appealed to the Air Force Review Boards Agency on behalf of Bohannon, and Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson announced in early April that the Air Force had determined Colonel Bohannon “had the right to exercise his sincerely held religious beliefs and did not … discriminate when he declined to sign the certificate.” Wilson stated that consequently Bohannon’s command would be reinstated and his records would be corrected.

Bohannon’s victory was due in part to letters and petitions sent to Secretary Wilson, including written requests for reversal made by eight Republican senators. Over 53,000 AFA supporters signed an AFA Action Alert petition supporting Colonel Bohannon as well.

stripes.com, 4/3/18; onenewsnow.com, 4/5/18