Few things have been as highly anticipated this year as Kamala Harris’ pick for her vice presidential running mate. This morning it was announced that Tim Walz, current governor of Minnesota, would join her on the ticket. Walz, a former U.S. Army non commissioned officer, high school teacher and football coach who entered politics in 2006, has a stellar record on LGBTQ+ issues and support. Here are some key points.
- In 1999, Walz was the faculty advisor of the first gay-straight alliance at Mankato West High School.
- in 2006, Walz ousted longtime Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht to join the U.S. House of Representatives for Minnesota’s 1st district, where he included same-sex marriage support as part of his platform.
- In 2009, Walz spoke in support of repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ “Not once, not once in my career did the question of sexual orientation come up,” said Walz. “Not once was the ability of that unit to deliver the security and deliver their mission ever predicated on sexual orientation. Not once did I see that this Nation was safer because a soldier was removed because of sexual orientation.”
- While in congress, Walz voted in favor of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the Sexual Orientation Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
- In 2021, Walz signed an executive order restricting conversion therapy in Minnesota. Of the LGBTQ+ community, Walz said, “There is no place for hate in this state. There’s no room for division. Our LGBTQ+ community is part, and a huge part, of what it means to be one Minnesota.”
- In 2023, Walz signed an executive order to enshrine access to gender-affirming care in Minnesota. “As states across the country move to ban access to gender-affirming care, we want LGBTQ Minnesotans to know they will continue to be safe, protected, and welcome in Minnesota,” said Gov. Walz. “In Minnesota, you will not be punished for seeking or providing medical care. This Executive Order delivers the urgent action that our LGBTQ Minnesotans deserve.”
- In 2022, the Human Rights Campaign endorsed Walz for a second term.
LGBTQ+ groups around the country are celebrating Walz’ addition to the Harris ticket.
Sayre E. Reece, Vice President of the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund said of Walz’ appointment, “Governor Walz has been a steadfast ally and advocate for the LGBTQ community, including support for trans affirming care, bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom and gun control. As Governor, Walz signed a ban on so-called “conversion therapy” into law, ending the harmful and cruel practice that has cost LGBTQ people their dignity and their lives. Under Walz’s leadership, Minnesota is both a ‘trans sanctuary’ and immigration sanctuary state.”
HRC President Kelley Robinson said, “There’s no doubt — Kamala Harris has electrified the nation and breathed new hope into the race. Her pick of governor Walz sends a message that a Harris-Walz administration will be committed to advancing equality and justice for all.”