“The selection of anti-gay crusader Gov. Mike Pence, along with the homophobic Republican party platform and a deafening silence on the LGBT Equality Act completes a trifecta of hate from Donald Trump on LGBT rights,” said Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum. “Although Trump claims he’s a ‘friend’ of the LGBT community, his rhetoric is in direct contrast to his actions which are deeply troubling and sends chills down the backs of 20 million LGBT Americans and to those who believe in civil rights for all citizens.”
Governor Mike Pence has a long history of opposing the rights of LGBT people. During his time in Congress, Pence co-sponsored a constitutional amendment opposing the rights of same-sex couples to marry, and voted against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), hate crimes legislation protecting LGBT people and repeal of the military’s discriminatory “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
In March 2015, Governor Pence signed a bill into law permitting business owners in Indiana to refuse service to gay and lesbian customers due to their religious beliefs. The bill was widely condemned by athletes, business owners and corporate America, leading to public condemnation and business pulling out projects in the state because of the bill’s discriminatory nature.
