Quick look gave me this:
Upon becoming
Governor of Indiana in January 2013, Pence initiated the largest
tax cut in
Indiana's history and pushed for more funding for education initiatives. Pence signed bills intended to restrict abortions, including one that prohibited abortions if the reason for the procedure was the fetus's race, gender, or disability.
[5] After Pence signed the
Religious Freedom Restoration Act, he encountered fierce resistance from moderate members of his party, the business community, and
LGBT advocates. Shortly thereafter, he signed legislation banning discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other criteria.
You converted to Judaism, right? If Pence were anti-semitic, would you say he does not yet have an evolved view of Jews being human beings equal to non-Jews?
I don't think the two things are equivalent. Pence is not saying gays are less than human (see above). He just thinks it is a condition that can be fixed. He thinks straight is the natural order of things, and he can help people get there. (That is the part that I hope he evolves.)
Pence is not out exterminating people or sterilizing them.
The thing I used to get a lot is Christians trying to "complete" me. This is more along the lines of what Pence thinks/thought. My former Husband was a Born-again evangelical Christian. He and his first wife actually worked for Campus Crusade for Christ. His first wife would go along the beach or be in an elevator, and try to sell people on being a Christian. I asked hubby why does she do that. He said the thing I needed to understand is that being a Christian (for some) is like (in their minds) having the cure for Cancer. And, they want everyone to have it.
Funny you should mention my religion. I don't "look" Jewish I often hear the remarks that people would censor had they known I was a Jew. Once in a riding lesson, one of my riding friends said something and then said from across the arena "Was that antisemitic?" I said "yes" and lesson learned.
As to Adam's comments being polarizing - then isn't advocating for any rights (women, workers, interest groups) polarizing? Standing up against oppression and injustice by definition sets up a binary for/against situation. I actually wouldn't call Adam's comments polarizing, though, because all he is doing is defending his own and others' human rights. He's not advocating anything radical or preposterous (being LGBQT is not a radical concept in 2018).
This from USA Today
The widespread belief that Pence supports gay conversion therapy comes from a statement he made in 2000 on his congressional campaign website: “Resources should be directed toward those institutions which provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior.” While he didn’t explicitly mention gay conversion therapy, leaders in the LGBT community have said they believe that’s what Pence meant in light of his long-standing opposition to gay rights. In November 2016, the New York Times reported that Pence's spokesman at the time, Marc Lotter, denied that Pence supports the practice.
In my experience, too many people in 'polite' Canadian society and other societies don't want to stir things up by expressing political stance. They say never discuss politics or religion - but as the saying goes, neutrality always benefits the oppressor, never the oppressed. [/QUOTE] And I disagree with you that Adam's comments 'don't help'. They do help LGBQT gay/trans people in general and LGBQT athletes in particular by giving voice to their identity and their legitimacy and entitlement to human rights as persons equal to all others. Every one voice matters! Rosa Parks was just one person!
How does not being present, as an American Olympic Athlete at a presser with the leader of Team USA advance anything? Be there. Be proud of who you are. It is not an endorsement of all that the administration stands for.
Coming out as a gay athlete....good for him. If it makes a difference for one kid it is a marvelous thing! (Do you have any idea how many horse trainers are gay? Does it matter? No. What matters is getting over the jumps faster than anyone else.
Given my rabble rousing inclinations (albeit in thoughts and words, more so than actions) and intense dislike and fear of Pence/Trump (no need for elucidation, I'm sure), I fantasize that the whole American team might refuse to meet and greet Pence/Trump at the White House!
Yes, I do get why this will never happen. . .but it was a cool fantasy for a moment.
Rabble rouser? You?
Let me make sure I get your vision? The entire team of athletes representing the United States of America, refuses to meet with the "elected by the people" vice-president of
their country, and this affects meaningful dialogue and change? In which world? You think Figure Skating has lost popularity..........just wait 'til that happens! Who do you think funds US athletes so they can go to the OLYS? That would be Americans. With all kinds of opinions, thoughts, beliefs and views. Regular Americans who give to the Oly committee are supporting athletes so they can realize their dream....not their political view.
Please do not hold my lack of formatting skills against me.
. I mean, didn't Dumbledore come out?
, but heavy hitters or not, Raya, Fenero and Polizoakis are all competing right now.