Here’s my conundrum: I support Donald J. Trump and the Republican cause. But I’m not a fan of the policies of Trump’s vice presidential pick, Gov. Mike Pence.
Last week, Trump made the official announcement via Twitter that the Hoosier governor would be his running mate. Some rejoiced at this decision and others did not. We all had our reasons for not supporting the Indiana governor. Some people (like me) didn’t like one or more of the governor’s positions, while others simply favored a different candidate for VP. Some didn’t want Pence because they just plain hate the Indianapolis Colts.
He was not my choice because he is a homophobe. The esteemed governor passed what is probably the most anti-LGBT legislation in a decade, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Why? Because, in his words, he is “[a] Christian, conservative, and a Republican in that order.” These things are all fine and dandy.
In fact, being a Christian, Republican and a conservative (on certain issues) are right on.
The governor is quoted saying in an interview on Fox and Friends: “There is no license to discriminate in this law. I abhor discrimination…. I don’t think anyone should ever be mistreated because of who they are or who they love.” I’m sorry, governor, but this bill contradicts the language in your legislation. The RFRA allows you to discriminate against people based upon one’s religious views. Let’s practice that old Biblical principle of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
I’m not just any old Trump supporter. I’m an 18-year-old, gay, black evangelical Christian, and I’m also the former national deputy director of Students for Trump. That fact that I’m backing Trump has been weird and off-putting for many of my friends—particularly the ones who are black or gay or Muslim. I know lots of people believe Trump says racist and anti-immigrant and sexist things, but I don’t believe these statement represent what he truly believes in his heart.
Although some of his policies (such as temporarily banning Muslim immigrants, building a wall, deporting millions of illegal aliens) seem outlandish, they resonate with the common everyday voter. Ultimately, his message is one of securing America, building the economy up by bringing business back in the U.S., helping our veterans, etc. These are messages of hope, and that is why I’m OK with some of his shock-jock statements.
However, the main reason I back Trump is that he says he supports LGBT rights. He allows me to vote for a conservative Republican, as my conscience demands, while also backing a candidate who believes in equality for LGBT people.
For that reason, I was beyond disappointed when Trump picked Pence, a man notorious for his extreme right stances on most social issues.
The governor has a sterling Republican record. He served six terms in the U.S. House, during which time he helped build a GOP leadership that retook control from Nancy Pelosi. Later, as governor of Indiana, he lowered state unemployment from 8% to 5%, balanced the state budget, and helped many veterans find jobs, among other achievements.
But these accomplishments are tarnished by his repressive stance on LGBT rights. Those in the LGBT community deserve the rights of any other American. It is not right for any minority to be treated as a lesser person simply because he or she is different. They should still be able to choose to love or marry whom they wish, go to the restroom of the gender they most identify with, or get a cake from whatever store they please! It is time that Gov. Pence realizes this truth.
After thinking more about Trump’s choice of Pence, though, I realized that it could be a smart move. The party needs a ticket that appeals to the “outsiders” in the GOP as well as the old school Republicans, who have tended to support the Stump Trump campaign. Pence allows the ultra conservatives to feel comfortable about voting for outsider Trump. Pence, who is calm and collected, also offers the campaign a sensible quality that it’s been lacking until now.
Also, we can take some solace in the fact that Trump ultimately sets policy and Pence simply has to be willing to accept and support his pro-LGBT stances.
For a few days, because of this issue, I considered not supporting the candidate I have so strongly advocated for. But my love for the country ultimately won out. In an era of lawlessness I couldn’t possibly waste or change my vote when Trump and Pence are the law-and-order candidates.
In the words of Pence, “Strong Republican leadership put into practice works.” This leadership is the only thing that can reunite this country in a time when we are more divided than ever in my lifetime.