Trump On Anti-Gay ‘Religious Liberty’ Bill: ‘I Will Do All I Can To Make Sure It Comes To My Desk’

Donald Trump says he will actively work to ensure an anti-gay federal “religious freedom” bill reaches his desk.

In June, one week before the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage for same-sex couples, Republicans in the House and Senate introduced the First Amendment Defense Act to “protect” individuals and businesses who oppose same-sex marriage. The bill would allow them to continue discriminatory anti-gay practices under the guise of “religious liberty,” without fear of the government stepping in to stop or penalize them.

Recently, six GOP presidential candidates signed a pledge to support the bill and, as president, sign it into law: Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, Rick Santorum, and Mike Huckabee.

Now, Donald Trump has offered support for the bill.

“If Congress considers the First Amendment Defense Act a priority, then I will do all I can to make sure it comes to my desk for signatures and enactment,” Trump wrote in a letter published by a conservative website, as the Washington Blade reports.

Former National Organization For Marriage chair Maggie Gallagher, now a senior fellow at the right wing American Principles Project Foundation, confirmed Trump’s initial support.

“Donald Trump at least said that he would not veto the legislation, but he would not commit to passing it,” Gallagher said:

Despite attacking and marginalizing minority groups and women throughout his presidential campaign, Trump for the most part has not targeted the LGBT community. This move may signal that’s about to change.

 

Image by Gage Skidmore via Flickr and a CC license
Hat tip: Washington Blade, ThinkProgress