Cadets claimed they where forced to 'Wear it Purple'

Some students at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) have raised concerns about being pressured participate in the annual LGBTIQ+ event, Wear It Purple Day (WIPD). The Defense Department, however, emphasises that WIPD activities are intended to be voluntary for all personnel.

For several years, the Defense Department has encouraged its members to participate in WIPD, a day aimed at promoting inclusivity and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. However, this year, some ADFA cadets alleged that they were given a directive to refrain from wearing regular uniforms and instead wear civilian attire for the event. According to instructions reportedly sent to ADFA cadets, wearing uniforms on WIPD was considered a demonstration against LGBTQIA+ rights and not in line with Defense policy.

The directive stated:

"Please remember it is Wear It Purple Day tomorrow and the dress is civilian attire. No one is to wear uniform! Please ensure personnel remember this as wearing uniform tomorrow will be seen as an active protest against LGBTQIA+, which is not in line with Defense policy. Additionally, anyone in uniform will be required to explain why they have chosen to disobey a direct command from the CO."

Some ADFA students however, have claimed that these specific dress instructions were issued by the executive officer of the military institution in Canberra. Another message to ADFA students conveyed that wearing civilian clothing without purple accents would be considered a neutral stance, rather than an active protest, aligning with the ADF value of respect.

One anonymous ADFA member stated that wearing civilian attire is rarely permitted during their time at the officer training institution.

In response to these allegations, the Australian Defence Force released a statement that did not directly address the instructions given to ADFA members. The statement highlighted the ADF's ongoing efforts to enhance workplace culture through diversity and inclusion activities, emphasizing that personnel voluntarily participate in such events.

Shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie, who is a graduate of ADFA himself, criticized the incident, arguing that military leadership should prioritize upholding core values such as service, courage, respect, integrity, and excellence. Hastie characterized the situation as an overtly political move that goes beyond these values and infringes on the freedom of conscience of military personnel. He stressed that fostering mutual respect and mastering the profession of arms should be the main focus of military leadership.

This incident comes after a previous controversy where Defense Minister Richard Marles overturned a ban on ADF staff holding special events celebrating diversity and cultural causes, such as LGBT+ morning teas, that had been introduced by his predecessor Peter Dutton. The situation has sparked debate about the appropriate balance between promoting inclusivity and maintaining the non-political nature of military institutions.

The Defense Department emphasises that WIPD activities are intended to be voluntary for all personnel.