The Democratic challenger to unseat Sen. Richard Burr in North Carolina once defended bars that banned members of the military by saying they are not a "protected class," The Washington Free Beacon reported.
Deborah Ross, during her time as head of the North Carolina branch of the American Civil Liberties Union, came to the defense of bars that banned military members over fear of "violent and vulgar behavior by some young Marines," the Free Beacon reported.
Ross said much like places that require a shirt and tie, the establishments were well within their right to keep out armed forces members as long as the bans were not based on gender or race, for example.
Ross has taken flak for other actions while with the ACLU, according to the Free Beacon:
- Worked on behalf of the Ku Klux Klan to hold a public demonstration;
- Defended the rights of people who wanted to burn the flag;
- Wanted Christmas songs banned from elementary schools.
"There was one common theme during Deborah Ross' dangerous ACLU career: She'll stand up for convicted criminals and sex offenders, but can't be bothered to help veterans or military members in need," Jesse Hunt, a spokesman for Sen. Burr told the Free Beacon.
Burr has a 1-point average lead over Ross in recent polling, according to Real Clear Politics.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.