Trump’s VP sets ‘terrifying’ agenda for LGBT rights, activists warn
Many of the leading LGBT rights groups in the US have condemned Donald Trump’s choice of Vice President.
Indiana’s Governor Mike Pence stirred up international outrage last year when he signed the controversial ‘Religious Freedom Restoration Act’, which gives businesses the right to discriminate against gay people on the grounds of religion.
Earlier this year Mr Pence still appeared unable to answer when asked whether it should be legal to fire people because of their sexuality – and has previously suggested that HIV Prevention funding be drained in order to fund state-sponsored ‘gay cure’ therapy.
In a 60 Minutes interview yesterday, Trump defended his choice for Vice President.
But LGBT groups have already slammed Trump’s decision.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center said: “Donald Trump’s selection of Mike Pence as his candidate for Vice President sends a loud and clear message that should anger and frighten the LGBT community, our allies, and anyone who believes in the promise of a free and equal nation.
“Pence’s long history of opposing equal rights for LGBT people includes signing Indiana’s so-called religious liberty bill last year to legalize wide-scale discrimination against LGBT people.
“It was one of the most draconian, anti-LGBT pieces of legislation in the history of our country. Selecting such a virulently anti-LGBT politician like Pence to help lead our country – especially as we continue to mourn the loss of 49 people who were murdered simply because they’re lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender – should leave no doubt among any who may continue to wonder whether Trump is an LGBT ally.”
HRC President Chad Griffin said: “Donald Trump just doubled down on his agenda of hate and discrimination by choosing the notoriously anti-LGBTQ Mike Pence for his ticket.
“Mike Pence has never left any question about his animus toward LGBTQ people, from peddling a hateful and damaging ‘right to discriminate bill’ in Indiana last year, to his longstanding opposition to marriage equality — positions shared by Donald Trump.
“Hillary Clinton has laid out the most ambitious agenda for LGBTQ equality that our nation has ever seen from a presidential candidate. She will not only protect the gains we have made over the last eight years, but fight for full federal equality day in and day out in the White House.”
