Mike Pence, who began his presidential campaign by criticizing healthcare provisions for transgender youth, addressed reporters in Nevada on Saturday, 29th July.
According to the Des Moines Register, he expressed his skepticism about inducting individuals into the military who might need gender-affirming treatments or surgery, arguing that it “makes no sense.” He further suggested that the presence of transgender personnel could uniquely undermine unit cohesion.
In contrast, President Joe Biden, shortly after his inauguration in January 2021, issued an executive order overturning Trump’s ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. Subsequent guidelines released by the Pentagon in March, and implemented a month later, enable transgender individuals to openly serve and enlist in their affirmed gender and provide a framework for them to transition while in service.
However, Pence, a fervent Republican, contended that the “politically correct nonsense at the Pentagon” was affecting recruitment in the US military. He advocated for a refocus on ensuring the military’s preparedness and training.
Throughout his political career, Pence has repeatedly demonstrated opposition to the LGBTQ+ community. He voiced his views during a three-day campaign tour through Iowa.
The Republican primary is largely considered a contest between former President Trump and Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor. However, DeSantis has consistently ranked lower than Trump in polls.
Pence’s stance against gender-affirming healthcare for young people emerges at a time when the Human Rights Campaign has recorded over 530 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in US state legislatures this year. Of these, more than 125 bills aim to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth, with 16 already enacted into law.