Representative McCaul: Russia, China ... 'Yet This Administration is Focused On Funding Drag Shows in Ecuador?'

Patrick Goodenough : Oct 26, 2022
CNS News

"It is difficult to imagine how the department determined that funding 'drag theater performances' would be a worthwhile use of taxpayer dollars." -Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX)

[CNSNews.com] The senior Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee asked the State Department Tuesday to provide the panel with information on a $20,600 grant awarded to a non-profit organization in Ecuador to run "12 drag theater performances," to promote "diversity and inclusion." (Screengrab image)

"This award raises significant questions about the department's grant-making decisions and the Biden administration's overall views of US foreign policy objectives in the region," Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

"It is difficult to imagine how the department determined that funding 'drag theater performances' would be a worthwhile use of taxpayer dollars."

McCaul asked Blinken to provide a staff-level briefing and further information by November 7, "[t]o "assist Congress in conducting its constitutional oversight responsibilities."

First reported by Fox News, the grant of $20,600 to the Centro Ecuatoriano Norteamericano de Cuenca (CENA) is described on a government website as follows: "To promote diversity and inclusion, recipient will host 3 workshops, 12 drag theater performances, and produce a 2-minute documentary." The grant period runs from September 30 this year to August 31, 2023.

"This is another example of reckless spending, demonstrating just how out of touch the Biden administration is regarding domestic and foreign policy priorities," McCaul said in a statement.

"Russia has invaded Ukraine; the Chinese Communist Party has increased its belligerence towards Taiwan and continues to assert its malign influence across the globe. Yet this administration is focused on funding drag shows in Ecuador?"

"This administration seems more invested in drag shows and diversity than national security," McCaul said. "It's time Democrats in Congress and the Biden administration focus on the issues that matter, not their 'woke agenda.'"

The grant falls under the State Department's "Public Diplomacy Programs," whose stated objectives are to "support the achievement of U.S. foreign policy goals and objectives, advance national interests, and enhance national security by informing and influencing foreign publics and by expanding and strengthening the relationship between the people and government of the United States and citizens of the rest of the world."

A department spokesperson earlier argued that the award would "advance key U.S. values of diversity and the inclusion of LGBTQI+ communities as well as promote the acceptance of communities that are disproportionately affected by violence."

It was part of "a wide range of strategic programs in Ecuador that incorporate concepts from diversity, inclusion, and representation to equity and accessibility," the spokesperson said.

Specifically, McCaul wants the State Department to provide documentation and communications relating to the grant to CENA, and documents showing "all criteria, guidelines, processes, and approval chains relating to the consideration and approval of Public Diplomacy Programs grants/awards generally, as well as specifically for the $20,600 grant."

Citing the State Department spokesperson's comments, McCaul also asked Blinken to make available information on all the department's "strategic programs in Ecuador that incorporate concepts from diversity, inclusion, and representation to equity and accessibility."

Other Republican lawmakers also criticized the grant for drag theater performances.

"The Biden State Department should not be spending $20,600 for drag shows in Ecuador," tweeted Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas). "I can't believe I have to say that."

"Americans are facing record inflation, depleted wages and retirement savings, spiking crime, and supply chain shortages—and the Biden Admin is sending our tax dollars to fund drag shows in Ecuador?" commented Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-California) "Their disregard for the American people is insulting."

"Our nation is in a recession, has record inflation, is over $30 trillion in debt, and this is how POTUS and Democrats are spending your tax dollars," tweeted Rep. Austin Scott (R-Georgia). "This is taxpayer abuse."

Judicial Watch called the grant "yet another questionable venture by the State Department to achieve foreign policy goals through art."

Pointing to the objectives of the department's Public Diplomacy Programs, the organization said in a statement, "How a dozen drag shows may help accomplish this, in Latin America of all places, remains unclear. The performances typically feature adult men dancing in women's clothes and heels, exaggerated wigs, and heavy makeup often accentuated with glitter."

Slightly smaller than Nevada and with a population of 17 million, the Latin American country last year elected its first center-right president in 15 years. President Guillermo Lasso is a pro-lifer who has expressed relatively conservative views on sexuality.

"If we talk about the civil union of two people of the same sex who want to share their lives, their assets and their activities, I have no objection," Lasso was quoted as saying during an earlier, unsuccessful election campaign.

"But let's not call that 'marriage,' which is the union of a man and a woman with a fundamental function: to procreate," he said.

Ecuador in 2019 legalized same-sex marriage while maintaining a constitutional ban on adoption of children by same-sex couples.

According to data compiled by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited under the constitution, and a provision establishes a "duty" and "responsibility" of every Ecuadorian to respect and acknowledge diverse sexual orientations.

In 2020 the executive vetoed a health code that had been approved by the National Assembly, which contained provisions prohibiting "conversion therapy."

According to ILGA, the vetoed code "would have strengthened the existing protections for LGBTI childhood and youth in the domain of health.' Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here