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Board of Supervisors urges Navy to name ship for Harvey Milk after split debate
Summary
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 9–2 to adopt a resolution urging the Secretary of the Navy to name a vessel the USS Harvey Milk after a lengthy debate over whether a naval ship honors the gay civil-rights leader.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a resolution urging the Secretary of the Navy to christen a vessel the USS Harvey Milk, passing the measure 9–2 after an extended debate among supervisors.
Supervisor Scott Wiener introduced the resolution, noting Harvey Milk’s service in the U.S. Navy and arguing that naming a ship for the late supervisor and gay-rights leader would inspire LGBT service members. "I can think of no better way to support those people," Wiener said during remarks to the board. He described community and veterans' groups that back the idea and said Milk’s family supports the naming.
The measure drew both support and opposition. Supporters, including Supervisors Campos and Kim, said the naming would send a global message of tolerance and could be inspirational for LGBT service members. "I can think of no better way to support our LGBT soldiers, past and present," Campos said during debate. Several speakers urged flexibility about what type of ship might bear the name, noting that the Navy could assign non-combat vessels.
Opponents, including Supervisor Olague, said they believe Harvey Milk—who they described as a pacifist later in life—would not have wanted his name on a warship. "I have my own values and how I feel someone like Harvey Milk should be honored," Olague said, explaining a decision to vote no. Other supervisors expressed conflicted views but ultimately supported the resolution for its symbolic value.
After the discussion, the board took a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded nine ayes and two noes; the resolution was adopted.
The resolution is an expression of the board’s position; it does not direct any federal action. The Navy, which has sole authority to name and assign vessels, would determine whether and which ship—if any—would be named USS Harvey Milk.
The board said it will transmit the resolution to the Secretary of the Navy. The vote followed public comment and multiple supervisors’ statements about Milk’s legacy and the potential impact of the naming on service members and communities.
