A controversial military-themed brewery in Virginia has been given the green light to open its taproom and distribution facility, despite facing community opposition over alleged racist and homophobic remarks made by a former U.S. Navy SEAL who has a small ownership stake in the business. Norfolk's City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday to approve permits for Armed Forces Brewing Company, setting the stage for the brewery's opening just a few miles away from the nation's largest Navy base.

The decision by the City Council went against the recommendations of the city's planning commission and a local neighborhood association, both of which had advised denying the permits. Many residents expressed their disapproval, arguing that the brewery's ownership did not reflect the diversity of the U.S. military, veterans, or the liberal-leaning city of Norfolk. The brewery has been marketing itself with politically conservative ads, further fueling the opposition's concerns.

The brewery's CEO, Alan Beal, addressed the community's resistance during the council meeting, assuring them that everyone is welcome at the brewery, and that their focus is on "making great beer and helping veterans and their family members." However, critics of the brewery dismissed these statements, claiming that the resistance was not solely based on political views but also on the alleged racist and homophobic comments made by minority shareholders on social media.

Members of Norfolk's City Council justified their approval by stating that the matter was simply a land-use issue and nothing more. Councilwoman Courtney Doyle raised concerns about the brewery's promotional videos and social media posts, stating that they did not respect the LGBTQ community, women, or the values of Norfolk. However, she also acknowledged that Armed Forces Brewery had a First Amendment right to free speech, which was why their posts did not cross the line into prohibited speech.

The pushback against the brewery primarily centered around Robert J. O'Neill, an ex-SEAL who claimed to have fatally shot Osama bin Laden during a 2011 raid. O'Neill holds a 4% stake in the brewery, sits on its board, and has served as its brand ambassador. Concerns were raised over O'Neill's August arrest in Texas, where he was accused of assaulting a hotel security officer while intoxicated and using a racial slur. O'Neill vehemently denied these allegations on social media.

Another point of contention was O'Neill's response to the news that a U.S. Navy sailor who moonlights as a drag queen was assisting in the military's recruitment efforts. O'Neill posted a tweet expressing his disappointment and concern, stating that China would destroy the United States. Despite the controversy surrounding O'Neill, he emphasized in a Facebook message to the Associated Press that everyone would be welcome at the brewery if the vote went in their favor.

O'Neill first shared his version of the bin Laden mission with Esquire magazine in 2013, where he was referred to as "the shooter." The Washington Post later revealed his identity in November 2014. O'Neill confirmed his involvement in the raid while speaking to the AP, although the Pentagon did not officially confirm which SEAL fired the fatal shot. O'Neill also mentioned his participation in other missions, such as the rescue of a merchant ship captain from Somali pirates, which was depicted in the film "Captain Phillips."

Critics have accused O'Neill and others involved in the brewery of violating the SEAL code of silence. In response to the community opposition, Armed Forces Brewery has reduced O'Neill's public-facing role. However, this did not quell the concerns of some residents who criticized the brewery for its alleged lack of inclusivity and hostility towards certain groups.

Kendall Almerico, an attorney representing the brewery, countered these claims by highlighting the diversity within the company. Almerico emphasized that the brewery consists of 9,500 shareholders from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, including gay and lesbian couples. He drew a parallel between the brewery and the United States military, stating that they both encompassed a diverse range of individuals.

The approval of permits for Armed Forces Brewing Company has sparked a contentious debate regarding freedom of speech, inclusivity, and the responsibility of businesses to reflect the values of their communities. The brewery is now set to open its doors, with the lingering questions regarding its ownership and the controversial remarks made by its stakeholders likely to continue dividing public opinion.