‘We Can Introduce Mr. Pence to Queer and Trans LGBT Members Throughout the Spectrum of Our Community’
Vice President Mike Pence will travel to Savannah, Georgia for the annual Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade but local LGBT leaders are not happy. Citing Pence’s long anti-gay history, including his opposition to marriage equality, and the repeal of DADT, nevertheless they are willing to invite him to spend time with the community – in the hopes of educating him.
“We certainly welcome Mr. Pence to tour our LGBT center here to meet with LGBT activists. We can introduce Mr. Pence to queer and trans LGBT members throughout the spectrum of our community to tell their stories and we would love for the opportunity to continue to educate our elected leaders,†Dusty Church, president of Savannah Pride, tells WSAV.
Pence earlier this year was embroiled in an anti-LGBT battle with Olympian Adam Rippon, who the Vice President essentially accused of lying.
Church is willing to be a good host, but does not appear to be willing to forget, calling the Vice President “one of the most anti-lgbtq political crusaders to serve in government.”
“As a member of Congress he voted against he Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, cosponsored a deal to define marriage between a man and a woman and sought to cut off HIV funding,†Church says.
Pence’s “anti-gay policies have followed him throughout his entire political career and as his political career advances all the way up to the White House he’s gotten stronger and stronger, more vocal and more anti-LGBTQ, rather than honoring the Constitution with equality for all,” First City Network President Michael Ploski added.
Image by Steve Baker via Flickr and a CC license