Montana Public Schools Caught Blocking LGBT Advocacy Websites — While Allowing Anti-gay Sites
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SOUTH CAROLINA: HHS Grants Waiver Allowing Foster Care Agencies To Reject LGBTs And Non-Christians
South Carolina’s The State reports:
A federal agency Wednesday granted Republican S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster’s request for a waiver to allow the state Department of Social Service to license faith-based child-placement agencies.
The waiver, issued by the U.S. Department and Health and Human Services, enables the Upstate’s Miracle Hill Ministries to continue its foster-care program, which caters to Christian families.
Supporters, including McMaster [photo above], say the waiver allows Social Services to license faith-based child-placement agencies without requiring them to abandon their religious beliefs. Opponents argue it allows taxpayer-funded discrimination based on religion.
Americans United reacts via press release:
Americans United for Separation of Church and State denounces the Trump administration’s decision today to sanction taxpayer-funded discrimination by allowing South Carolina foster care agencies the right to refuse to work with anyone they deem the “wrong” religion.
“This is yet another example of the Trump administration using religion to advance a regressive political agenda that harms others. And this time, the target is not only religious minorities but also our most vulnerable children – those in need of loving homes,” said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United. “It is unconscionable that this administration would use government funds to discriminate against the very populations our laws are designed to protect.
“While this waiver is specific to South Carolina, it sets a dangerous nationwide precedent that elevates the beliefs of government-funded programs over the best interests of the children in their care,” Laser continued. “Religious freedom is a fundamental American right – it should never be used to justify discrimination.”
The waiver allows Miracle Hill to reject ALL non-Christian parents, not just LGBT families.
Gay Mayor Peter Buttigieg Announces 2020 Presidential Campaign
Openly gay mayor Peter Buttigieg has announced he will be running for president in 2020.
Buttigieg, currently mayor of South Bend, Indiana, announced on Wednesday (22 January) that he is forming an exploratory committee to run for president for the Democratic Party.
He says his campaign will focus on ‘intergenerational justice’.
‘My generation is the generation that experienced school shootings beginning when I was in high school, the generation that fought in the post 9/11 wars, the first generation not to be better off than our parents materially – if nothing changes.’
He also appears to take a swipe at President Donald Trump’s mantra, Make America Great Again.
He adds: ‘There is no again the real world. We can’t look for greatness in the past. Right now our country needs a fresh start.
‘There’s a new generation of voices emerging in our country, walking away from the politics of the past and ready to deliver on our priorities. There is no again in the real world. That’s not a bad thing. We’re ready for a fresh start.’
The 37-year-old is the joint youngest candidate to enter the race, alongside Representative Tulsi Gabbard. He is a veteran of the Navy and is married to his husband Chasten.
Buttieg was elected mayor in 2011 at the age of 29, making him the youngest person ever to serve as mayor of South Bend.
In 2017, he ran for Democratic National Committee (DNC) chairman, but was unsuccessful.
Other Democrats who have expressed intent or formed exploratory committees include Senator Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gilibrand and Kamala Harris.
LGBTI-inclusive anti-bullying laws linked to lower rates of teen suicides
A new study shows detailed anti-bullying laws can help decrease the suicide rate among LGBTI teenagers.
Suicide prevention organization The Trevor Project stated LGBTI teens are nearly five times more likely than their straight counterparts to have attempted suicide.
The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law has found a connection between LGBTI-inclusive state bullying laws and lower rates of teen suicide attempts.
The report analyzed 2015 data on the leading causes of death among teens ages 14 to 18 in the US.
At the moment, all 50 states have anti-bullying laws. However, just 20 and the District of Columbia have laws explicitly protecting LGBTI kids. These states reported a lower rate of attempted suicides and sexual assaults.
The study also highlights that approximately 55% of LGBTI youth live in states that do not have laws that explicitly protect them from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
‘Anti-bullying laws that explicitly protect youth based on sexual orientation are associated with fewer suicide attempts among all youth, regardless of sexual orientation,” the report highlights.
‘Enumeration of sexual orientation in state anti-bullying laws is a first step,’ Ilan Meyer said. Meyer is the lead author of the report and a senior public policy scholar at the Williams Institute.
Court Rules Against Lesbian Couple In Housing Lawsuit Because Their Marriage “Isn’t Understood In The Bible”
NBC News reports:
A federal court on Wednesday ruled against a lesbian couple who brought a lawsuit against a Missouri retirement home that rejected the women’s apartment application because their marriage is not “understood in the Bible.”
Bev Nance, 68, and Mary Walsh, 72, married a decade ago in Massachusetts and have been in a committed relationship for roughly 40 years. Michael Adams, CEO of SAGE, which advocates for LGBTQ seniors, said “this is sex discrimination, and it is against the law.”
“Mary Walsh and Bev Nance were discriminatorily denied admission to the Friendship Village retirement community for one reason only – because they are two women in a committed relationship rather than a woman and a man,” Adams told NBC News.
Barr Hints at Continuing Anti-LGBT Policies at Trump Justice Department
William Barr, President Trump’s pick to become the next attorney general, held his cards close to the vest on LGBT issues Tuesday during his confirmation hearing, but hinted upon confirmation he’d pursue the anti-LGBT policies of his predecessor Jeff Sessions.
The answers from Barr suggest he’d continue to uphold the Justice Department’s view that LGBT people aren’t protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights of 1964, which bars sex discrimination in the workforce. Additionally, Barr suggested he’d uphold religious freedom even at the expense of anti-LGBT discrimination.
In his opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Barr recognized the increasing number of hate crimes in the United States, including LGBT people, and pledged to address them under the Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009.
“We can only survive and thrive as a nation if we are mutually tolerant of each other’s differences, whether they be differences based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or political thinking,” Barr said. “And yet, we see some people violently attacking others simply because of their differences. We must have zero tolerance for such crimes, and I will make this a priority as attorney general if confirmed.”
But under questioning on LGBT issues from Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Barr indicated enforcement of the hate crimes law would likely be the extent of his pro-LGBT advocacy at the Justice Department.
Booker initiated the questioning on LGBT issues by referencing a 1995 article Barr wrote for a conservative Catholic publication that laments growing acceptance of the LGBT movement compared to religious communities.
Asserting the 1995 article demonstrated a view being LGBT was immoral, Booker asked Barr whether he still holds those views, Barr replied “no,” but disputed the article conveyed anti-LGBT views.
After Booker insisted he was quoting the actual language, Barr said he’d inform the committee about his views. Barr reflected on the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling for same-sex marriage.
“If I had been voting on it at the time — my view is that under the law, under the Constitution, as I originally conceived it before it was decided by the Supreme Court, marriage was to be regulated by the states, and if it was brought to me, I would have favored martial unions, single-sex,” Barr said.
When Booker interjected he was questioning Barr about his views in the 1995 article and whether the LGBT movement is immoral, Barr expressed a need for tolerance.
“In a pluralistic society like ours, there has be to a live-and-let-live attitude, and mutual tolerance, which has to be a two-way street,” Barr said. “My concern, and the rest of the article addresses this, is I am perfectly fine with the law as it is, for example, with gay marriage, perfectly fine, but I want accommodation for religion.”
When the New Jersey Democrat interjected LGBT youth are disproportionately bullied at schools, Barr interrupted to recognize anti-LGBT hate crimes. Booker acknowledged that before adding many LGBT youth report they are missing school because of fear of being bullied and are disproportionately homeless.
Booker asked Barr whether he thinks laws “designed to protect LGBT individuals from discrimination contribute to what you describe as a breakdown for traditional morality.”
Barr replied “no,” but added, “I also believe there has to be accommodation to religious communities.”
Booker acknowledged, “You and I believe in freedom of religion,” but shifted the focus to anti-gay workplace discrimination. Barr replied, “I think’s that wrong.”
When Booker asked whether that means the Justice Department should protect LGBT kids from harassment and hate crimes and pursue efforts to protect the civil rights of LGBT Americans, Barr replied. “I support that.”
Referencing his opening statement, Barr said, “As I said in the beginning, I’m very concerned about the increase in hate crimes.”
But when Booker asked Barr if he sees a role for the Justice Department in banning anti-LGBT discrimination, the nominee had a different take. Barr replied, “If Congress passes such a law.”
Barr then referenced the petitions currently before the U.S. Supreme Court seeking clarification on whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which bars discrimination on the basis of sex in the workplace, applies to cases of anti-LGBT discrimination.
“I think the litigation going on now on Title VII is what the the 1964 act actually contemplated, but personally, I think —,” Barr said.
Before Barr could finish and venture an opinion on Title VII, Booker interrupted and asked to verify whether lawmakers contemplated including LGBT people in Title VII. Barr rejected that idea, saying “no.”
“I think it was male-female that they were talking about when they said sex in the ’64 act,” Barr added.
Booker then interjected again by conflating anti-LGBT discrimination with sexual harassment: “So protecting someone’s basic rights to be free from discrimination because of sexual harassment is not something the Department of Justice should be protecting?”
Playing with one of the many U.S. Senate coasters before him on the witness stand, Barr insisted the onus is on Congress to make the law.
“I’m saying Congress passes the law, the Justice Department enforces the law,” Barr said. “I think the ’64 act on its face — and this is what is being litigated, what does it cover? I think for like three or four decades, the LGBT community has been trying to amend the law.”
Booker interrupted again before Barr could finish, saying the Obama administration’s Justice Department “was working to protect LGBT kids from discrimination.” (The Justice Department in the Obama years asserted anti-trans discrimination was illegal under Title VII, but took no position with respect to the law on anti-gay discrimination despite pleas from LGBT rights supporters.)
When Booker asked if Barr would pursue the Obama administration practices, Barr replied, “I don’t know what you’re referring to.”
“I’m against discrimination against anyone because of some status, their gender or their sexual orientation or whatever,” Barr continued.
Hirono picked up where Booker left off, asking Barr directly about the Justice Department’s friend-of-the-court brief before the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals arguing anti-gay discrimination isn’t covered under Title VII. As Hirono noted, both the Second Circuit and the Seventh Circuit have “rejected the department’s argument” about the law.
The Hawaii Democrat asked Barr if he’d appeal those decisions to the U.S. Supreme Court. In response, Barr seemingly referenced the petitions before justices, noting, “I think it is going up to the Supreme Court.”
When Hirono asked if DOJ will continue to argue Title VII doesn’t bar anti-gay discrimination, Barr initially declined to answer directly.
“It’s pending litigation and I haven’t gotten in to review the department’s litigation position, but the matter will be decided by the Supreme Court,” Barr said.
Hirono responded: “That sounds like a ‘yes’ to me. The department will continue to push the argument that has been rejected.”
At this point, Barr tipped his hand on his view Title VII doesn’t cover anti-gay discrimination.
“It’s not just the department’s argument,” Barr said. “It’s been sort of common understanding for almost 40 years.”
Asked by Hirono if discrimination is OK, Barr replied, “That’s not at all what I’m saying. I’m saying the question is the interpretation of the statute passed in 1964.”
“As I’ve already said, I personally, as a matter of my own personal feelings think there should be laws that prohibit discrimination against gay people,” Hirono said.
When Hirono asked Barr if he’d review the Justice Department’s position, Barr replied, “No. Because there’s a difference between law and policy.”
“I will enforce the laws as passed by Congress,” Barr said. “I’m not going to amend them. I’m not going to undercut them. I’m not going to try to work my way around them and evade them.
Hirono responded: “The DOJ doesn’t have to file an amicus brief either.”
The Hawaii Democrat wasn’t done on LGBT issues, asking Barr about an explosive report in the New York Times asserting the Department of Health & Human Services was preparing a rule to define transgender people out of existence under Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972.
Asked by Hirono if he believes transgender people are protected from discrimination under Title IX, Barr dodged.
“I think that matter’s being litigated in the Supreme Court, too,” Barr said.
When Barr added he doesn’t know the Justice Department’s position on the issue, Hirono said she’d ask him to review the issue.
LGBT groups have raised concerns about Barr’s confirmation as attorney general, asserting he lacks a commitment to protecting civil rights. (One longtime gay friend of Barr’s, however, former Time Warner general counsel Paul Cappuccio, has defended the nominee, telling the Blade, “He’s not going to ever let people be discriminated against, OK?”)
Jon Davidson, chief counsel of Freedom for All Americans, said Barr’s testimony “did little to assuage those concerns” of LGBT rights groups.
“While he testified he is “fine” with “gay marriage,” his comments that there “has to be accommodation to religion” — something not required or even permitted for other people’s marriages — is very disturbing,” Davidson said.
Davidson also raised concerns about Barr’s response on whether Title VII should cover anti-gay discrimination.
“In addition, although he said he thinks firing someone based on their sexual orientation is ‘wrong,’ he refused to disagree with the anti-LGBTQ positions the Justice Department has been taking when it comes to Title VII and he erroneously asserted that Title VII should be limited to what Congress believed it was accomplishing in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” Davidson said. “That position has already been rejected several times by the Supreme Court, which has said that what Congress had in mind at the time is not controlling.
Ultimately, Davidson had a dismal forecast for Barr’s stewardship of the Justice Department.
“It appears that he intends to carry forward the positions of former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, which have consistently opposed equal rights for LGBTQ people,” Davidson said.
Sharon McGowan, chief strategy officer for Lambda Legal, also said Barr’s testimony didn’t allay her concerns.
“I think he said absolutely nothing to alleviate any of the concerns that we have based on his record, and if anything, his comments only demonstrate that he is exactly what his record suggests that he is, which is someone who will not be a champion for civil rights generally or LGBT equality specifically,” McGowan said.
Barr’s confirmation hearing took place as the Justice Department is defending President Trump’s transgender military ban in court and has called on the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. Barr didn’t address the policy, nor did any member of the Senate Judiciary Committee inquire about Barr’s view on the issue.
Brian Bond Named New Executive Director of PFLAG National
PFLAG National—the nation’s first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their families, and allies—announced that Brian Bond will join the organization as its new Executive Director, effective February 1st.
Board President Kathy Godwin said, “I am thrilled to welcome Brian to the helm of PFLAG National. He has a proven record of success unifying people across communities, building strong alliances and partnerships, and working in challenging environments and moments to effect change. His personal story—as a young gay man raised in rural America—will resonate with so many people, including our supporters and members. I know Brian is the leader PFLAG needs to continue our work, and greatly expand our reach.”
Bond, a Missouri native with a degree in Public Administration from Missouri State University, is a former Obama Administration official and LGBTQ+ advocate with an extensive background in constituency outreach and coalition bridge-building. He most recently served as the Coalitions Director for the Climate Action Campaign in Washington D.C., working to protect clean air and promote action to limit climate change. Prior to that, he was the Deputy CEO for the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA.
During the Obama Administration, Bond served as Deputy Director for the White House Office of Public Engagement and primary liaison for the LGBTQ community. After the re-election of President Obama in 2012, he moved to the Environmental Protection Agency to work on the Administration’s climate initiatives as Associate Administrator for Public Engagement and Environmental Education. Prior to these roles, he served as the Executive Director of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and is credited with expanding the success of the organization and support for LGBTQ candidates during his six-year tenure.
“I know what it is to be the scared kid growing up in a rural community feeling different and alone, struggling with accepting who I was and living in fear because I knew I was different,” said Bond. “As the Executive Director of PFLAG National—arm in arm with the hundreds of thousands of exceptional people who are the backbone of PFLAG—it is my goal to intensify all our efforts serving our diverse families and communities.”
“For communities of color, we can make this stronger through continued cultural inclusion work and expanded outreach, listening, and tools. We can build on PFLAG’s long and noteworthy trans-inclusive history to expand our programs for transgender and gender-expansive youth and their families. There is no question we also will find the best way forward for faith-based and more conservative families torn between loving their kids and loving their faith. PFLAG is uniquely positioned to do this work, with over 400 chapters in communities across the country, and over 45 years on the front lines of this movement. I am truly honored to take up this work with the dedicated leaders and volunteers of PFLAG, and the PFLAG National staff.”
The PFLAG National Search Task Force included board members and national staff representing a diversity of race, ethnicity, age, and professional experience. The Task Force undertook a thoughtful and deliberative search process which surfaced more than 15 qualified candidates nationwide before making their final recommendation.
The news of Bond’s appointment was welcomed by leaders in the LGBTQ+ equality movement, as well as other leaders in the fight for social justice among marginalized communities.
“During my time at the White House I saw firsthand PFLAG’s legacy of loving, affirming families and actively engaged allies at work. PFLAGers are changing hearts and minds in every corner of our country in support of equality for the LGBTQ+ community. I also witnessed Brian Bond’s commitment to moving equality forward with passion, empathy, and humility. Brian’s skill set, collaborative leadership style, creative thought process, and ability to build bridges across diverse communities and life experiences will serve PFLAG well. I am thrilled that Brian Bond has been selected as PFLAG National’s next Executive Director during this pivotal and critical moment in time.”
– Valerie Jarrett, Former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama
“I wholeheartedly commend the PFLAG National Board of Directors for their selection of Brian Bond as the organization’s Executive Director. I have known Brian for over twenty years both professionally and personally. I am amazed by his ability to move within multiple communities—especially Communities of Color—with respect and humility, to achieve common goals. Brian has both the skill set and professionalism to build upon PFLAG’s success to expand the organization’s reach to provide more support for African-American parents who want to understand the struggle of their LGBTQ+ children in an oft-hostile world.”
– Earl Fowlkes, President/CEO, Center for Black Equity, Inc.
“Brian Bond embodies leadership. He has earned the trust and respect of diverse communities and coalitions over his lifetime because he has worked tirelessly to uplift people of all ages and backgrounds every step of the way. I count myself in that category, first as his summer intern and later as his successor as the White House LGBT Liaison and a committed partner in the fight for equality and justice. PFLAG, already an effective and important organization, has gained a talented, humble, inclusive, and strategic leader in Brian—and I look forward to the scores more families and young people supported by this work with Brian at the helm.”
– Aditi Hardikar, Former White House LGBT and AAPI Liaison
“I have had the pleasure to work for and with Brian Bond closely for over a decade. You follow and trust his vision because he embodies what he fights for everyday. As a Latina from an immigrant family raised from humble beginnings by a teen mother, I know that our rights and a seat at the table are not automatic. I have seen Brian time and time again not just stand up for ALL communities including communities of color and our most vulnerable but more importantly fight to give them the power they rightfully deserve. From Farmworkers to Latinx students on campuses, I have seen him purposefully and artfully lift up voices, genuinely listen and advocate for what was needed on ground without hesitation. PFLAG will gain tremendously from their selection of Brian Bond as their next Executive Director, I am excited for what the future holds for them.”
– Amanda Aguirre, Former Acting Director of Public Engagement at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Associate Director, White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
“Transgender people and our families couldn’t ask for a better ally than Brian Bond. Throughout his career, Brian has served as an invaluable partner in the fight for transgender equality, as well as a dear friend for nearly two decades. Brian has the vision and devotion to lead PFLAG and the millions of families it serves.”
– Mara Keisling, Executive Director, National Center for Transgender Equality
“Brian Bond is a fantastic selection by PFLAG National as its next Executive Director. His steadfast dedication to LGBTQ issues throughout his career, especially for youth and those most vulnerable in our community, alongside his top-notch excellence in leadership, community organizing, and strong relationships with leaders across the nation will allow Brian to thrive at PFLAG. I cannot think of anyone better to be at the helm and I wish him and the whole PFLAG family much success in the coming years ahead.”
– Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, Director of External Relations, National Center for Transgender Equality
“The smartest hire I ever made was recruiting Brian Bond to lead the Victory Fund when I was co-chair. PFLAG will benefit from that same vision, tenacity and work ethic that has made Brian a success throughout his career.”
– Jeff Trammell, Former Co-Chair, Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
“Having followed in Brian’s footsteps as President Obama’s LGBTQ liaison, I know firsthand the incredible work he did in the early days of the Obama Administration to build the foundation of what later became an unparalleled presidential record on advancing LGBTQ equality. Brian is exactly the kind of advocate and leader that queer kids across America—and their families and allies—need in their corner. His passion and compassion, strategic vision and capacity to execute, national network and local relationships, and most importantly his commitment to and long track record of inclusivity will be a tremendous asset to PFLAG. I can’t wait to see him take this critically important organization to the next level.
– Gautam Raghavan, former Obama White House LGBTQ Liaison; Vice President for policy at the Gill Foundation; current Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)
“PFLAG has played a central role for the past 45 years in changing hearts and minds in the continuing quest for LGBTQ equality in this country, which is why I am extremely pleased that Brian Bond will be PFLAG’s incoming Executive Director. I have worked closely with Brian for many years to ensure that Indian Country has a voice at the table. He is a passionate advocate for inclusion and full participation and consistently turns words into meaningful and impactful action. Nothing is more important than family in Indian Country, I am confident, based on our past work, that Brian will do the work to help ensure that PFLAG best meets the needs of all communities to affirm, respect and celebrate diversity and families.
– Keith M. Harper, Former US Ambassador;
Permanent Representative to the UN Human Rights Council
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PFLAG is the nation’s first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their families, and allies. With over 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of American families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. To learn more, visit pflag.org, like us on Facebook (/pflag), or follow us on Twitter (@pflag) or Instagram.
Kansas Reintroduces Laws to Protect LGBTI People from Workplace Discrimination
Senator Laura Kelly signing executive orders on her first day in office | Photo: Facebook/Gov Laura Kelly
Kansas’ new governor has signed back into law anti-discrimination measures for LGBTI workers employed by the state government.
Governor Laura Kelly made it illegal again to discriminate against LGBTI government workers.
Her predecessor, Sam Brownback, overturned anti-discrimination laws in 2015. He overturned the laws in the same year the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality. At the time of the ruling Brownback said marriage equality created a new ‘protected class’.
Kelly signed the executive order on her first full day in the governor’s office. She vowed to reintroduce the laws during her gubernatorial campaign.
‘As I have said numerous times before, discrimination of any kind has no place in Kansas and it will not be tolerated in this administration,’ Kelly said as reported in the Kansas City Star.
‘We will ensure that state workers feel safe and supported in their working environment.’
Kelly became the first Democrat elected to the governor’s office in Kansas since 2009.
LGBTI groups in Kansas welcomed the executive order.
‘It’s an important message to businesses and everybody else in Kansas that this is going to be a place where fairness and equality are valued and promoted,’ said Tom Witt, director of Equality Kansas.
But some Republicans were not so happy with the governor’s decision. State Senator Mary Pilcher-Cook said it was ‘degrading to reduce individuals’ to their ‘sexual inclinations’.
‘These laws cause divisions in communities and can have serious detrimental and unintended consequences because of their subjective nature,’ she told the Associated Press.
See Also:
DNC Blasts Karen Pence For Job At Anti-LGBT School: No Child Should Fear Expulsion Just For Coming Out
Just in from the Democratic National Committee:
Second Lady Karen Pence began teaching art at Immanuel Christian School, which refuses admission to LGBTQ students and allies and forces prospective employees to sign a pledge not to engage in “homosexual or lesbian activity or transgender identity.” In response, DNC LGBTQ Media Director Lucas Acosta issued the following statement:
“Mike Pence has repeatedly supported anti-LGBTQ groups and treated us like second-class citizens. It is no surprise that the Second Lady holds the same values. School should be a place where every child feels welcome, free to identify, and empowered to learn without fear or distraction. No child should fear expulsion, discrimination or any other retribution by school officials for coming out or allying with LGBTQ people.
“By teaching at a school that bans LGBTQ parents, teachers, students and allies, Karen Pence is actively supporting and promoting an institution that endorses discrimination. And this is just the latest example of this administration using its power and platform to discriminate against the LGBTQ community. As leaders of this country, the Pences should promote values of acceptance, inclusivity and diversity rather than divisiveness and exclusion.”
Tulsi Gabbard’s Homophobic Remarks Surface After 2020 Presidential Announcement
It’s been one day since Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) announced she was running for president in the 2020 election, and parts of her conservative past are already coming back to haunt her.
They returned in the form of homophobic remarks the congresswoman made over a decade ago. At least twice the Hawaii Democrat publicly called the LGBTQ community and supporters of same-sex marriage “homosexual extremists.”
In one instance in February 2004, Gabbard, at the time a 22-year-old state representative, was testifying against a bill aimed at legalizing same-sex civil unions.
“To try to act as if there is a difference between ‘civil unions’ and same-sex marriage is dishonest, cowardly and extremely disrespectful to the people of Hawaii,” she said. “As Democrats, we should be representing the views of the people, not a small number of homosexual extremists.”
Six months later, Gabbard spoke more candidly while replying to an email originally sent to her father, Mike Gabbard, who was a Republican city councilman in Honolulu running for Congress.
“I smell a skunk,” Gabbard told Honolulu Magazine. She was responding to an email that was originally addressed to her father asking about his ties to the leader of a Hare Krishna movement in Hawaii, according to the magazine.
“It’s clear to me that you’re acting as a conduit for The Honolulu Weekly and other homosexual extremist supporters of Ed Case [Mike Gabbard’s opponent],” she wrote.
In a statement provided to HuffPost on Sunday night, Gabbard said she regretted her previous conduct, but noted her recent support for legislation backing LGBTQ rights over her years in Congress.
“First, let me say I regret the positions I took in the past, and the things I said,” Gabbard said. “I’m grateful for those in the LGBTQ+ community who have shared their aloha with me throughout my personal journey.”
“Over the past six years in Congress, I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to help work toward passing legislation that ensures equal rights and protections on LGBTQ+ issues,” she continued.
“Much work remains to ensure equality and civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ Americans and if elected President, I will continue to fight for equal rights for all,” she said.
Gabbard was elected to the U.S. House in 2012 and became the first Hindu member of Congress, as well as one of Congress’ first female combat veterans. She quickly became a star of the Democratic Party with her own rogue brand of progressive leadership.
Gabbard’s remarks from 14 years ago were bound to resurface as she walked even further into the national spotlight with her presidential bid.
And while Gabbard, 37, has evolved since then ― she once backed a bill targeting discrimination based on sexual orientation and famously endorsed Bernie Sanders’ presidential bid at the expense of her post as Democratic National Committee vice chair ― some people, including journalists from Hawaii to D.C., wouldn’t let her off easy for her homophobic remarks.
Gabbard may back legislation that supports the LGBTQ community, but it’s unclear if her personal views have evolved with her career.
A 2016 profile of the combat veteran published in Ozy suggests otherwise: “She tells me that, no, her personal views haven’t changed, but she doesn’t figure it’s her job to do as the Iraqis did and force her own beliefs on others,” noted reporter Sanjena Sathian.
This story has been updated with Gabbard’s statement to HuffPost.