KALAMAZOO – Michigan State Rep. Jon Hoadley, D-Kalamazoo, held an electronic press conference this morning and condemned vice presidential candidate Mike Pence in anticipation of his visit to Portage, Michigan later today. Hoadley said that, as one of two openly gay state representatives in Michigan, it is important to stress that Pence has a vitriolic relationship with the LGBT community. Hoadley also reminded LGBT voters that as governor of Indiana, Pence signed legislation legitimizing discrimination, causing the state "disastrous backlash."
"Make no mistake. By selecting Mike Pence as his running mate, the Trump campaign sends a strong signal that LGBT people and the people who support LGBT equality will have no place in their White House," said Hoadley.
Hoadley pointed out that Trump did not win Kalamazoo in the primary and said that sending Pence to southwest Michigan is an effort to distract voters from the top of ticket. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is campaigning with Pence today in Portage, adding further evidence that LGBT voters should not support the Trump/Pence ticket. "The addition of yet another anti-LGBT person – Ted Cruz – to the Portage visit just underscores their anti-gay position," said Hoadley.
Hoadley said it shows just how out of step Pence is with the people of southwest Michigan that he would campaign in Portage just a few months after that city passed an inclusive non-discrimination policy. "Pence has shown failed leadership by signing Indiana's anti-LGBT legislation, and the people of southwest Michigan will not be fooled."
Gay State Rep. Calls Out Pence
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