Pete Buttigieg, who made waves in the Democratic presidential primary as a gay presidential candidate, made progress on LGBTQ rights a component of his message during his speech Thursday at the Democratic National Convention.
The range of Buttigieg’s remarks was the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which enabled him to serve openly in the military; the Supreme Court ruling for marriage equality, which enabled him to marry Chasten Buttigieg; and this year’s Supreme Court decision barring anti-LGBTQ discrimination in employment.
“Now in 2020, it is unlawful in America to fire anyone because of who they are or who they love,” Buttigieg said. “The very ring on my finger reflects how this country can change. Love makes my marriage real, but political courage made it possible — including that of Joe Biden, who stepped out ahead of even this party when he said that marriage equality should be the law of the land.”
But Buttigieg, speaking at the venue in Indiana where me married his spouse, made the case more change is on the way.
“If so much can change between 2010 and 2020, imagine what 2030 could look like,” Buttigieg said. “Imagine what we could achieve — the coalition we are building this very season, gathering progressives and moderates, independents and even former Republicans, to help build a future where everyone belongs.”
Buttigieg also drew on his own historic candidacy for the White House, which he said couldn’t have happened in the time before he was born.
“The day I was born, close to where I’m standing, here in South Bend, the idea of an ‘out’ candidate seeking any federal office at all was laughable,” Buttigieg said. “Yet earlier this year I campaigned for the presidency, often with my husband at my side, winning delegates to this very convention.”
Watch Buttiigeg’s full remarks here (via NBC News):
Story courtesy of the Washington Blade.