History Repeats Itself – Especially with Mike Pence and His Discrimination against LGBT Hoosiers
INDIANAPOLIS – Tonight during his State of the State Address, Mike Pence is expected to share his stance on equal rights and whether or not he’d support across the board, nondiscrimination protections for LGBT Hoosiers. But Hoosiers should know that with Mike Pence, history is doomed to repeat itself. Mike Pence is likely to double down on his out of touch ideology and possibly throw Indiana into yet another economic panic – much like last year’s $250 million hit following his decision to sign RFRA into law.
But don’t take the IDP’s word for it. Simply look at the timeline below showing each time Mike Pence chose to proactively discriminate against the LGBT community, including a Congressional vote against the national Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).
A Timeline of Mike Pence’s Discrimination toward the LGBT Community
2000: During his congressional campaign, Mike Pence said, “Congress should oppose any effort to put gay and lesbian relationships on an equal legal status with heterosexual marriage.”
2000: Pence also supported the reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act only if federal dollars were excluded from organizations who “celebrate” and “encourage” behavior that facilitates spreading of the HIV virus. Further, Pence supported this reauthorization only if “those institutions provided assistance to those looking to change their sexual behavior”, an off-the-cuff endorsement for ex-gay conversion therapy.
2004: Mike Pence co-sponsored a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would define marriage as solely between one man and one woman.
2007: Pence voted against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).
2010: Mike Pence voted against the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal which allowed LGBT Americans to openly serve their country in military service.
2012: Pence refused to say on the record if he supported a same-sex couple raising a child together.
2014: Gov. Pence supported HJR-3, a bill to add an amendment banning same-sex marriage to Indiana’s Constitution.
2015: Governor Pence signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in a closed-door ceremony surrounded by special interest lobbyists.
2015: Governor Pence said on ABC’s “This Week” that it was “absolutely not” a mistake to sign RFRA, throwing Indiana into a $250 million economic panic and putting Indiana’s “Hoosier Hospitality” reputation in jeopardy.
2015: Even after his approval rating plummets from RFRA, Mike Pence on July 22 told the media he is “studying” the issue of LGBT rights and whether or not he’d support across the board protections for the LGBT community.
January 12, 2016: After 174 days, Gov. Pence may just double down on his out of touch ideology…again.
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