But this does not mean the potential of a nationwide ‘religious freedom’ law – giving businesses the right to refuse to serve LGBT people on the basis of their faith – is off the cards either.
In a statement from the White House, the president pledged to ‘protect the community from violence and oppression’.
‘President Trump continues to be respectful and supportive of LGBTQ rights, just as he was throughout the election,’ the statement read.
‘The President is proud to have been the first ever GOP nominee to mention the LGBTQ community in his nomination acceptance speech, pledging then to protect the community from violence and oppression.’
The clarification came after Trump press secretary Sean Spicer was asked whether Trump would rescind LGBT rights.
‘I just don’t know the answer,’ he said.
Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign, said Mr Trump had set a low bar by merely agreeing to protect protections that already exist.
‘LGBTQ refugees, immigrants, Muslims and women are scared today, and with good reason,’ he said.
‘Donald Trump has done nothing but undermine equality since he set foot in the White House. Donald Trump has left the key question unanswered – will he commit to opposing any executive actions that allow government employees, taxpayer-funded organisations or even companies to discriminate?”
Griffin added that Trump has filled his cabinet with people who ‘have spent their careers working to demonize LGBTQ people and limit their rights’.
‘You can’t claim to be an ally when you send LGBTQ refugees back to countries where their lives are at risk,’ he added.
‘You can’t claim support them and then rip away life-saving services made possible through the Affordable Care Act for transgender people and those living with HIV or AIDS. You can’t be a friend to this community and appoint people to run the government who compare being gay to bestiality.’
American Civil Liberties Union LGBT Project Director James Esseks said: ‘Actions speak louder than words.
‘President Trump has surrounded himself with a vice president and cabinet members who have repeatedly sought to sanction discrimination against LGBT people in the name of religion, and nothing in the White House’s statement makes clear that these efforts are behind us.
‘LGBT immigrants, refugees, Muslims, and women have already come under attack by this administration. If Donald Trump is serious about being an ally to the LGBT community, it starts with abandoning an agenda driven by fear and prejudice.’
Nearly every single one of Trump’s cabinet members has voted against the rights of LGBT people.
1 comment:
He won't change -they won't change and these pleas for justice are falling on deaf ears--Schumer cries and Pelosi does not know if her mike is working--These are are champions -wish them luck and balls. Good Grief Charlie Brown-the great Pumpkin is in the White House fucking up America and the world. I hope you all know there is only one solution to maintaining your liberty.
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