Bernie Sanders calls out Republicans over ‘bigoted’ bathroom policies
Bernie Sanders has called out the Republicans over “bigoted” bathroom policies – and praised Barack Obama for stepping in.
The Obama administration has sought to intervene on LGBT rights this month after a string of laws attempted to roll back crucial LGBT discrimination protections, purportedly to stop trans people from going to the bathroom.
Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this week, Donald Trump came out against equality on the issue – suggesting that states like North Carolina should be free to set their own anti-LGBT laws without government interference.
Trump said: “The [Republican] party generally believes that whatever you’re born, that’s the bathroom you use. I say let the states decide.”
Appearing on the same show last night, Bernie Sanders tackled the same question.
He said: “I think the attacks against transgender people are part of a bigotry which has got to end.
“I applaud the President for what he is trying to do on that.”
Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton has also loudly spoken out against the law in North Carolina.
Senator Sanders previously attracted criticism for claiming that LGBT lobbying groups are part of an “establishment” conspiracy because they endorsed Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton over him.
He had claimed that a Clinton endorsement from the Human Rights Campaign constituted “establishment organizations voting for the establishment candidate”, insisting the decision “cannot possibly be based on the facts and the record.”
HRC had pointed to Clinton’s comprehensive plan on LGBT rights developed in collaboration with rights groups, including 24 separate pledges across detailed policy areas – while the Sanders campaign has identified just seven broad LGBT policy points.
When Sanders suggested Clinton had “insulted” LGBT people, she replied: “I, like many Americans, have evolved… and I’m glad I have.
“I am a 100% supporter and I am absolutely adamant about protecting marriage equality.
“I think it’s significant that the Human Rights Campaign, the leading organization in our country to ensure that the LGBT community has the rights they deserve, have endorsed me.
“Now your candidate said: ‘well, that’s because they’re a member of the establishment’.
“With all due respect, they fight against the establishment every single day. And I’ve been with them for years and I will pass the Equality Act too.”
