Mon Sep 09 16:05:27 UTC 2024: ## Kamala Harris Pledged to Advance LGBTQ Rights, Says Walz at HRC Dinner
**WASHINGTON** – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, praised Vice President Kamala Harris’ record of defending LGBTQ rights at the Human Rights Campaign’s national dinner on Saturday night, pledging that she will continue to advance their cause if elected president.
Walz highlighted Harris’ work with President Joe Biden in issuing executive orders protecting LGBTQ individuals in areas like healthcare, the military, and education. He emphasized Harris’ belief in “equal justice under law” and declared that “it is not to be debated.”
The dinner, attended by 3,500 members of the nation’s largest LGBTQ organization, saw Walz recount Harris’ actions as California Attorney General, including her personal call to a clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Walz said she ordered the clerk to “start the marriages immediately” and added, “She told the clerk, ‘Have a good day. It’s going to be a fun one.’”
Walz also highlighted his own history of supporting LGBTQ youth, recounting his experience as a high school teacher and football coach who agreed to advise the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance.
In contrast, Walz warned about the potential consequences of electing former President Donald Trump for a second term. He claimed Trump’s policies would “restrict freedom, bully this community, demonize vulnerable children.”
Trump has made attacks on transgender people a centerpiece of his campaign rhetoric, pushing for restrictions on gender-affirming care and making unsubstantiated claims about schools performing surgeries on children.
Walz urged the crowd to support Harris, emphasizing the stark contrast between her approach and Trump’s policies.
The Human Rights Campaign has endorsed Harris and Walz, citing their long records of supporting LGBTQ rights.
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