Donald Trump unveils 50-point plan for second term – and there’s zero mention of LGBT+ rights. He does want to build a moon base, though
President Donald Trump plans to build a base on the moon (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Donald Trump has released a 50-point plan for his second term in office that pledges to do absolutely nothing on LGBT+ rights.
The right-wing president, whose re-election effort is lagging behind that of pro-LGBT+ Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the opinion polls, detailed a list of 50 “core priorities” for his second term on Sunday (August 23) ahead of the Republican National Convention.
Of the 50 items on the list, not one addresses the rights of LGBT+ Americans — in stark contrast to Biden’s plan to cement LGBT+ discrimination protections, ban conversion therapy and end the trans military ban.
However, he is making time for the important things — like establishing a “permanent manned presence on the Moon”.
The only planks that could be even tenuously connected to LGBT+ rights based on right-wing talking points are negative, such as “end bureaucratic government bullying of US citizens and small businesses” and “drain the globalist swamp by taking on international organisations that hurt American citizens”.
Republican National Convention to be interrupted by GLAAD anti-Trump advert.
Trump’s inaction on LGBT+ issues will be highlighted during the Republican National Convention — with GLAAD buying an advertising slot on the president’s favourite TV channel, Fox News.
The ad highlights the Trump administration’s rejection of the Equality Act, which would implement federal LGBT+ discrimination protections. The bill cleared the House earlier this year, but Republican leaders in the Senate have refused to put it to the vote.
GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said: “So much is at stake for LGBTQ Americans right now, yet LGBTQ issues have been nearly invisible from the national media narrative since Donald Trump’s election in 2016 and are not being talked about enough in this year’s election coverage.
“At a time when Americans are entrenched in their own media bubbles, this ad shows why the Equality Act is critical to LGBTQ people and those who love them, and how the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are blocking its passage.
“Because of media outlets like Fox News, many LGBTQ people and allies are not aware that anti-discrimination protections are still unavailable to LGBTQ people and that the Trump administration is actively fighting against the Equality Act.
“Given Fox News’ track record on spreading misinformation or keeping LGBTQ issues invisible, it’s critical that we reach those viewers with what they need to know about what’s at stake for LGBTQ people at this pivotal moment in our history.”
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris set out sweeping priorities on LGBT+ rights.
Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Joe Biden’s plan sets out in meticulous detail what he would do on LGBT+ rights.
It makes clear: “The Equality Act is the best vehicle for ensuring equal rights under the law for LGBTQ+ Americans, and will guarantee that LGBTQ+ individuals are protected under existing civil rights laws.
“Biden will make enactment of the Equality Act during his first 100 days as president a top legislative priority. Biden will also direct his cabinet to ensure immediate and full enforcement of the Equality Act across all federal departments and agencies.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris (Olivier DOULIERY / AFP)
“In addition to enacting the Equality Act, Biden will take action using his executive authority. He will immediately reverse the discriminatory actions of the Trump-Pence administration and then go further to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.”
Biden will also “reverse Trump’s policies misusing broad [religious freedom] exemptions and fight so that no one is turned away from a business or refused service by a government official just because of who they are or who they love”.
The Democratic candidate’s plan also vows to “work to enact the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act” to ban conversion therapy and “direct the US Department of Defense to allow transgender service members to serve openly, receive needed medical treatment, and be free from discrimination”.
