Learn more about the potential new Vice President of the US
BY GINA BEVAN, IMAGE BY FLICKR
Kamala Harris has chosen Tim Walz as her running mate. The fairly little-known Walz is the current Minnesota governor, a former member of the US National Guard, and an ex-high school teacher where he also worked as an adviser to LGBTQIA students. Recently he became widely known for calling Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance “weird”, something that immediately gained him popularity with Democrat supporters.
Trump and Vance have both made their stance on LGBTQIA rights clear. Before becoming senator in 2022, Vance expressed his intention to oppose the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation designed to safeguard marriage equality for same-sex couples.
So, why should we be feeling optimistic about Walz’s stance on LGBTQIA rights?
Walz has a strong record of championing LGBTQIA rights during his time in government. When running for Congress in 2006, a time when Minnesota did not have equal marriage rights, he vocalised his support for same-sex marriage. Upon winning his congressional seat, he became the first Democrat in three decades to secure a victory in the staunchly Republican district.
Standing up for same-sex marriage was a brave move by Walz that could have cost him his congressional seat, so it’s clear that Walz is someone with a backbone and a strong sense of social justice. His fight for equality continued in 2009 when he spoke to Congress about the damage the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military policy, which banned gay men and women from disclosing their identity, was causing its personnel.
After serving in the National Guard, Walz said the following in his speech that advocated for its repeal: “Not once, not once in my career did the question of sexual orientation come up. Not once was the ability of that unit to deliver the security and deliver their mission ever predicated on sexual orientation. Not once did I see that this nation was safer because a soldier was removed because of sexual orientation.”
In 2010, the law was finally repealed under Barack Obama.
What has he been doing recently?
As governor, last year he signed a law banning so-called conversion “therapy” (something we are still yet to see here in the UK, although plans have been announced). It led Minnesota to become the 22nd state to ban conversion “therapy”.
Sarah Warbelow, the Human Rights Campaign Legal Director said the following: “During his time in office, Governor Walz has shown himself to be a pro-equality champion, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, and especially youth, in Minnesota. At a time when radical politicians in other states are attacking LGBTQ+ rights, we celebrate Governor Walz’s leadership and commitment to equality for all.”
Not only that but in the same year, he also signed a bill to ensure Minnesota is a refuge for trans kids – what an all-round great guy!
With Harris and Walz vs Trump and Vance in the upcoming elections, I think we have the right to feel optimistic.
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