Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo found himself in the hot seat this week during a confirmation session. Pompeo has been nominated to replace Rex Tillerson, but comes with a very stern anti-LGBTQ agenda that people will not dismiss.
Tillerson had continued the work for the LGBTQ community done during the Obama administration, but with Pompeo, it is likely that much will be undone to roadblock progress.
Here are some items which prove Pompeo’s anti-LGBTQ agendas:
- Opposed the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” and has
- Consulted with the Family Research Council which supports Uganda’s efforts to punish and execute LGBTQ individuals.
- Considered the landmark Obergefell decision to be an abuse of power.
- Co-sponsored the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act, which would have issued a ‘license to discriminate’ against LGBT people based on religion
During the confirmation session on Thursday, Democratic Senator from New Jersey, Cory Booker, addressed Pompeo’s anti-LGBTQ ways by referring to one of Pompeo’s previous speeches where he called being gay a ‘perversion’.
Pompeo fumbled with a response and ultimately circled around the question when Booker continued insisting over and over again that Pompeo answer the question he was asking.
Booker implored:
Do you believe that gay sex is a perversion, yes or no? Yes or no, sir, do you believe gay sex is a perversion? It’s what you said here in one of your speeches. Yes or no, do you believe gay sex is a perversion?
Pompeo responds at one point:
Senator, when I was a politician, I had a very clear view on whether it was appropriate for two same-sex persons to marry. I stand by that.
The Human Rights Campaign, Global Forum on MSM & HIV, National LGBTQ Task Force and National Center for Transgender Equality among many others, signed a joint letter in which they detail how “Mr. Pompeo has a troubling history of statements and policy positions that have alienated marginalized communities, which raises serious doubts about his ability to represent all in America and promote human rights for all individuals abroad.”
Shortly after Booker posted a lengthy, yet powerful statement that expresses his compassion for the LGBTQ community and other marginalized communities. In his statement he shares how he doesn’t believe anyone can lead the people if they don’t love the people.
Booker also states:
Our country must stand against such evil. And at home we must set a standard for love, honor and the respect of all.
