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VA Clarifies What Speech Is Allowed Within Cemeteries

In recent weeks, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been accused of stifling free speech at the Houston National Cemetery. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and the National Memorial Ladies have all separately complained about being told they could not include various religious terminology during their services by Cemetery director Arleen Ocasio.

Specifically, Ocasio told these organizations they could not include "God" and "Jesus" in their services and prayers. Further, they claim Ocasio not only stated government approval must be obtained prior to prayers being used, but prevented honor guards from speaking to families regarding their desired services.

For the first time the VA is responding to these complaints. According to VA Press Secretary Josh Taylor, using both "God" and "Jesus" is absolutely allowed at VA cemeteries and is in fact common across VA National Cemeteries. Honor guards sponsored by the VA, however, can only produce recitations if the deceased's immediate family requests them, according to VA policy.

After Ocasio attempted to censor a prayer at a Memorial Day service, the Liberty Institute filed suit against the VA and moved for a temporary injunction, which was granted. Other instances of the VA's alleged discrimination based on religious viewpoint followed.

The U.S. Attorney's Office stated they were investigating the claims. Multiple groups, to include Texas Congressmen are calling for Ocasio to be fired. The VA did not address that issue in their statement.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.