Editorial: Is Mike Pence more dangerous than Donald Trump?

Donald Trump, a name that every American knows. The newly elected President of the United States has certainly caused turmoil over the last year. With his alleged future wall, accusations of sexual assault, and his vehement remarks about the events taking place in the Middle East, he’s made it nearly impossible for the public to not talk about him. But what about Mike Pence, the new Vice President of the United States? Although Pence merely remains in the shadow of Donald Trump, he definitely should not be ignored. He may not tamper with international affairs, but he could pose a threat to those inside the borders of the United States.

He’s all for gay conversion therapy

Gay conversion therapy is an effort to change someone’s sexuality using traumatizing and forceful acts. Although proven to be ineffective, that hasn’t stopped Pence from advocating for public spending in Indiana. This barbaric form of “therapy” has been banned in five states and can include electroshock therapy, induced nausea, and even exorcisms. On his campaign website in 2000, Pence wrote, “Resources should be directed toward those institutions which provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior.” If regulated, gay conversion therapy can lead to depression, drug use, homelessness, anxiety, and suicide.

He’s trying his hardest to shut down Planned Parenthood

In 2007, Pence instituted a bill to defund Planned Parenthood, a non-profit organization that researches into and gives advice on family planning, contraception, and reproductive problems. He kept pushing for the bill until it was finally passed in 2011. “If Planned Parenthood wants to be in providing counseling services and HIV testing, they ought not to be in the business of providing abortions,” said Pence in 2011. “As long as they aspire to do that, I’ll be after them.”

He opposes marriage equality

“Congress should oppose any effort to put gay and lesbian relationships on an equal legal status with heterosexual marriage,” wrote Pence on his 2000 campaign website. As governor, he even signed a law to legalize discrimination against LGBTQ people. This law gave businesses the right to discriminate against LGBTQ people on religious grounds. The law, however, was criticized throughout the nation and was eventually “revised” by Pence. High-profile businesses such as Apple and Marriott condemned the law, which led to cost Indiana at least $60 million after revision. Furthermore, Pence also has a record of opposing same-sex marriage in legislation. In 2003, he even signed the Federal Marriage Amendment. This worked to officially represent marriage as between one man and one woman.

He’s against fair pay for women and minorities

Pence voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act multiple times during its approval process. This act protects women and minorities from wage discrimination. It was also the first piece of legislation signed by President Barack Obama when he took office in 2009. This law declares that victims of wage discrimination can sue their employers at any time and 180 days after receiving their last paycheck and that each discriminatory paycheck resets the 180-day filing period to make a claim. It’s strange, however, because Pence said he wanted women in Indiana to make every bit as much as men, but he is against an act that will help lessen the wage gap.

He attempted to prevent Syrian families from resettling in Indiana

Pence tried to block Syrian refugees from settling in Indiana by denying them aid for social services, a move that a federal judge declared unconstitutional. Pence’s suppression of resettlement targeted Syrians and Syrians alone. U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt ruled in favor of Exodus Refugee Immigration, an Indiana non-profit organization that aids refugees. The resettlement program drew loud protests from more than 20 governors, but it made no difference. Pence’s anti-refugee position collapsed in court, as more than 170 Syrians were starting new lives in Indiana.