18 U.S. Politicians Notoriously Against LGBTQ Rights

Let’s venture into U.S. politics, where specific individuals continue to uphold antiquated notions despite the advancements of the 21st century. Join us as we explore the perspectives of 18 U.S. politicians who, in the face of societal progress, maintain staunch opposition to the LGBTQ+ community.

Mike Pence

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As a congressman, Pence voted against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would have prohibited discrimination against LGBTQ people in the workplace. As governor of Indiana, Pence signed into law a Religious Freedom Restoration Act that allowed businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ people on religious grounds.

Sam Brownback

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In 2015, as Governor of Kansas, Brownback signed an executive order that rescinded a state policy prohibiting discrimination against state employees based on sexual orientation. In addition, Brownback signed an executive order that allowed government officials and religious organizations to deny services to same-sex couples based on religious beliefs.

Ted Cruz

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Ted Cruz, a U.S. Senator from Texas, has a mixed record on LGBTQ rights. He has expressed support for some LGBTQ issues, such as the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the decriminalization of homosexuality worldwide. However, he has also opposed other LGBTQ rights, such as same-sex marriage and transgender rights.

Jim Jordan

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Jim Jordan, a Republican U.S. Representative from Ohio, has a mixed record on LGBTQ+ rights. He has expressed support for some LGBTQ+ issues, such as the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which allowed LGBTQ+ people to serve openly in the U.S. military. However, he has also opposed other LGBTQ+ rights, such as same-sex marriage and transgender rights.

Kay Ivey

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Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama has faced intense criticism for signing into law legislation that prohibits transgender youth from participating on sports teams consistent with their gender identity. This decision has been widely condemned as an infringement on the rights of transgender individuals and a stark demonstration of Alabama’s leadership’s disconnect from prevailing public sentiment and fundamental principles of fairness.

Sally Kern

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Sally Kern is a former American politician and educator who served as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives for the 84th district from 2005 to 2017. Kern’s political career was marked by controversy. She was often criticized for her outspoken views on social issues. She once said that homosexuality was more dangerous than terrorism.

Roy Moore

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This Alabama politician has consistently expressed opposition to LGBTQ rights and was even removed from Alabama’s Supreme Court due to his refusal to uphold the law on same-gender marriage.

Tom Cotton

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Downplaying the struggles of LGBTQ+ people in the United States, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton suggested that they should be grateful for not facing the same level of persecution as in Iran, where homosexuality is punishable by death. “I think it’s important we have a sense of perspective,” Cotton stated. “In Iran, they hang you for the crime of being gay.”

Michele Bachmann

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This former Minnesota representative has quite a record of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, including claims that being LGBTQ is a form of “personal enslavement.” According to Rolling Stone, Bachmann’s vigorous opposition to the LGBTQ+ community in Minnesota stemmed from a similar mindset. She boldly labeled the gay lifestyle as “bondage” and “personal enslavement,” perpetuating harmful stereotypes and limiting the freedom of individuals.

Rick Santorum

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A former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, Santorum has maintained a steadfast opposition to same-sex marriage and has voiced support for conversion therapy. As reported by CNN, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum once sparked controversy by drawing an analogy between homosexuality.

Louie Gohmert

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Gohmert is known for his unconventional and often offensive statements. A former Texas congressman has once again made headlines for his outlandish remarks against LGBTQ rights.

Mike Lee

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Utah Senator Mike Lee has a history of voting against measures that would uphold and expand the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. He has consistently opposed legislation that would protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in various aspects of their lives, including the workplace.

Vicky Hartzler

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The former Missouri congresswoman has steadfastly opposed same-sex marriage and other LGBTQ+ rights initiatives. As The Daily Beast reports, the former Missouri Republican Rep. Vicky Hartzler was overwhelmed with emotion as she passionately urged her colleagues in Congress to reject the landmark protections for same-sex marriage.

Marsha Blackburn

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The Tennessee senator has a consistent record of opposing LGBTQ rights initiatives. Following music artist Taylor Swift’s public announcement that she would not be supporting Tennessee Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn, citing concerns about her voting record on LGBTQ issues, equal pay legislation, and legislation affecting people of color, Representative Blackburn responded, emphasizing her existing strong support among constituents.

Mike Pompeo

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As Secretary of State, Pompeo continued to roll back LGBTQ+ rights protections. He banned US embassies from flying Pride flags during Pride Month, revoked a policy that allowed transgender individuals to apply for US passports with their preferred gender marker, and refused to sign on to international statements supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

Jim Justice

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In 2017, Justice vetoed a bill that would have allowed businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ customers. However, in 2023, he signed a bill that prohibits gender-affirming care for minors. This decision was met with widespread criticism from LGBTQ rights groups, who argued that it would harm transgender youth.

Donald Trump

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Donald Trump’s views on LGBTQ rights have been complex and contradictory throughout his time in office. He has taken some positive steps, such as appointing openly gay individuals to his administration and appointing conservative judges who have upheld same-sex marriage. However, he has also taken actions that have been harmful to the LGBTQ community, such as banning transgender people from serving in the military and rolling back protections for transgender students in schools.

Mike Johnson

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Johnson has a long history of opposing same-sex marriage. In 2004, he wrote an op-ed in which he called same-sex marriage “a dark harbinger of chaos and sexual anarchy that could doom even the strongest republic.” He has also argued that the Constitution does not protect same-sex marriage and that states should have the right to define marriage.

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