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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has come under criticism after she had a post celebrating her administration’s work on LGBTQ+ rights. The Democratic leader posted a photo from a Pride event and showered some recognition on a couple of laudable policy reforms: outlawing conversion therapy on minors, and broadening civil rights protection. The post drew criticism alleging its ex-post facto political theater; others were outright hostile toward LGBTQ+ rights.
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Whitmer’s post spoke of the first-ever, statewide LGBTQ+ commission in Michigan as well as the amendments to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act clarifying that it explicitly pertains to sexual orientation and gender identity; she wrote, “Here in Michigan, we believe that everyone has a right to be who they are and love who they love.” The photograph showed Whitmer smiling with supporters dressed in rainbow attire.
Into the abyss proceeded the reply section. One critic wrote about “performative politics,” stating she only pops out to Pride events when it is election season. Another respondent, wanting to pour gasoline on the fire, said: “Rainbows do not fill potholes either,” dragging the conversation into Michigan’s infrastructure mess. And from there, things began to devolve: “You support mutilating children,” said one, while others mentioned that LGBTQ+ is a “mental illness” and should not be celebrated.
But it wasn’t just the far right. Some who considered banning conversion therapy a positive thing even wondered about the necessity of such a commission: “Since when does being gay require a government panel?” one user ranted. Others associated the backlash with everything wrong in Michigan: sky-high auto insurance and local elections on pause.
Whitmer’s defenders had very little air time on the thread, one commenter saying, “Gretch you are so pretty.” Meanwhile, a gaggle of both bizarre and hateful commenters linked LGBTQ+ rights with pedophilia, one stating Whitmer was “protecting baby killers.” The governor stayed mum, presumably a wise decision under the circumstances.
Such ugly language has been nothing new to Whitmer. She has long been accused by the GOP for her progressive policies, and this post just added yet another target for the opposition to hit. The backlash also exposes a chasm within conservative ranks, as some, going so far as to call the ban on conversion therapy “GOP platform plank,” seem to recognize at least some measure of commonity exists.
Whitmer, meanwhile, has been loudly striding into the culture-war spotlight. Whether or not such activity actually wins votes is questionable, but judging from reactions like these, it certainly guarantees both.
The post, of course, spawned random complaints of Michigan potholes and insurance rates. Because, really, what better way to set the tone for the LGBTQ+ rights debate than a little car fixing? Priorities, people.
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Bottom line? Whitmer’s Pride post did exactly what it was supposed to do: rally the base, enrage the opposition, and remind everyone that come 2024, the mere sight of a rainbow flag can be a litmus test.