Kersey said he then was contacted by Lt. Justin Hardy, who told him that the Port Wentworth Police Department didn’t want to be held liable in a “use of force” situation involving someone in the LGBTQ community. Kersey still refused to delete the post

The primary guidance concerning political activity for military members is found in DoD
Directive 1344.10. Per longstanding DoD policy, active duty personnel may not engage in
partisan political activities and all military personnel should avoid the inference that their
political activities imply or appear to imply DoD sponsorship, approval, or endorsement of a
political candidate, campaign, or cause. Members on active duty may not campaign for a
partisan candidate, engage in partisan fundraising activities, serve as an officer of a partisan club,
or speak before a partisan gathering. Active duty members may, however, express their personal
opinions on political candidates and issues, make monetary contributions to a political campaign
or organization, and attend political events, in their personal capacity, as a spectator when not in
uniform.