Nationwide LGBTQ+ Advocacy groups congratulate the vice president Kamala Harris Democratic Party Election Minnesota They have nominated Governor Tim Walz as their running mate in the 2024 presidential election, highlighting Governor Walz’s extensive record of endorsements. LGBTQ+ Rights, bodily autonomy, equality.
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of Human Rights CampaignEquality PAC, and Glad They all issued statements praising Harris’ choice and highlighting Walz’s longstanding commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
“There’s no doubt that Kamala Harris has enthralled the nation and breathed new hope into the race. Her selection of Governor Walz sends a message that the Harris-Walz Administration is committed to advancing equality and justice for all,” said HRC President Kelly Robinson. Her statement highlighted Walz’s work to date, including his work as a high school teacher where he helped found the Gay-Straight Alliance and his work in Congress to repeal discriminatory laws such as the Defense of Marriage Act and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” laws.
As Governor, Walz signed an executive order banning the practice of so-called “conversion therapy” on minors, making Minnesota one of the first states to take such action against harmful practices through an executive order. He also supported legislation to protect LGBTQ+ youth in foster care and has been a vocal advocate for comprehensive anti-discrimination protections. In 2023, he signed an executive order to protect minors’ access to health care. Transgender Minnesota continues to be a haven for people seeking gender-affirming medical care, has legalized recreational marijuana use, and protected abortion rights.
Equality PAC co-chairs Rep. Mark Takano of California and Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York, both of whom are gay, praised Walz for standing up for what is right even when it is unpopular.
“At a time when LGBTQ Americans are under attack from MAGA extremists, we need strong allies now more than ever,” they said in a statement. They cited Walz’s early support for LGBTQ+ students and his legislative work to protect LGBTQ+ military members and expand hate crime prevention measures.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis also welcomed Harris’ decision. “Vice President Harris’ selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz underscores her longstanding commitment to equality, prosperity and safety for all Americans, including LGBTQ people. Governor Walz has a proven track record of inclusion and protection for LGBTQ people and upholding the fundamental freedoms that all Americans cherish,” Ellis said.
She highlighted some of Walz’s key accomplishments during his tenure as governor, including signing a statewide ban on conversion therapy, passing a “trans refugee” bill to protect transgender people and their families from legal repercussions who seek treatment in Minnesota, and consistently speaking out against discriminatory legislation in other states.
The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund also released a statement praising Harris’ choice.
“Governor Tim Walz is a strong ally for our community and a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ equality,” said Annise Parker, president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. “As Governor, Walz worked with LGBTQ+ lawmakers to transform Minnesota into a haven for LGBTQ+ families, a state where equality is the law of the land. The Harris-Walz combination will undoubtedly advance the equality movement, and we look forward to a Harris-Walz Administration continuing the historic level of LGBTQ+ representation in presidential appointments.”
Harris has also been a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community throughout her career. San Francisco Harris, who became district attorney in 2004, officiated the nation’s first same-sex marriage ceremony. Her White House and campaign staff includes many LGBTQ+ people, including gay press secretary Ernesto Apresa. Harris made history as the first sitting vice president to hold a same-sex marriage march. pride The first to host a parade Drag Queen She was the first to celebrate Pride Month at her home and to host an annual Pride Month event at the Naval Observatory at the Vice President’s Mansion. Washington DCThe Biden-Harris administration has been described as the most equality-promoting administration in American history.
Harris and Walz are scheduled to appear at their first joint campaign rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday night as their coalition embarks on a multi-city tour of battleground states that will be crucial to the election’s outcome.
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
