This morning on CNN’s State of the Union, John Kasich was asked whether
he would take steps to try to stop
states from passing anti-LGBT “Right to Discriminate” laws. His blunt
response? “No, I wouldn’t.” He added, “What I like to say is, just
relax, if you don’t like what somebody is doing, pray for them. And if
you feel as though somebody is doing something wrong
against you, can you just for a second get over it?”
Easy for Kasich to say.
In his own state of Ohio, it’s still possible to be fired for being
lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.
“John
Kasich can’t have it both ways. Either you’re for discrimination, or
you’re against it. To tell LGBT victims of discrimination to 'just
relax' and 'get over it' is disrespectful,
outrageous, and not the kind of leadership expected from a credible
presidential candidate. Kasich can continue trying to put a friendly
face on his party’s discriminatory policies, but the fact remains that
his own state remains a minefield for LGBT people
who can still be fired for being who they are. As governor, Kasich has
done nothing to help end discrimination against LGBT employees, and he
was the final obstacle preventing marriage equality in Ohio before the
Supreme Court’s decision. Trump and Cruz may
make a lot of people look reasonable by comparison, but Kasich is no
‘moderate.’ He’s certainly no friend to the LGBT community.”
– TJ Helmstetter, DNC spokesperson