Erin Bailey, an 18-year-old student, organized the first LGBT Pride event ever held in Columbus, Ind., hometown of Vice President Mike Pence. The celebration was held on April 15.
As governor of Indiana, Pence signed into law a religious freedom bill, which allows discrimination against the LGBT community as long as the reason for the discrimination is based on religious beliefs. On his 2000 congressional campaign website, he wrote, “Homosexuality is incompatible with military service because the presence of homosexuals in the ranks weakens unit cohesion,” and “Congress should oppose any effort to recognize homosexuals as a ‘discreet and insular minority’ entitled to the protection of anti-discrimination laws similar to those extended to women and ethnic minorities.”
However, when asked about the Pride event, Alyssa Farah, his press secretary, told CNN, “Vice President Pence commends Erin Bailey for her activism and engagement in the civic process. As a proud Hoosier and Columbus native, he’s heartened to see young people from his hometown getting involved in the political process.”
