Vice President Harris's Silent Support for AME Church's Anti-LGBTQ+ Stance

Vice President Kamala Harris has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, but her silence on the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church's ban on same-sex marriage raises questions about her true commitment to equality.

Vice President Kamala Harris has drawn criticism for her apparent silence on the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church's ban on same-sex marriage. Despite her vocal support for LGBTQ+ rights, Harris has not publicly addressed the church's discriminatory policy, which conflicts with the official stance of the Democratic Party.

The AME Church, a historically Black denomination, voted Wednesday to strike down a bill that would have ended its ban on same-sex marriage. The vote sparked controversy, as 92% of the church's congregants identify as Democrats, and the party's platform supports marriage equality.

Vice President Harris's Silent Support for AME Church's Anti-LGBTQ+ Stance

In an address to attendees of the conference the same day, Harris slammed Republicans for trying to pull the country backward on LGBTQ+ rights. "We face a choice between two very different visions for the future of our nation. One, ours, that is focused on the future. The other focused on the past," Harris told those in attendance. "But we are not going back."

However, Harris made no mention of the AME Church's stance on same-sex marriage during her speech. This omission has raised questions about her commitment to LGBTQ+ equality within her own party.

Vice President Harris's Silent Support for AME Church's Anti-LGBTQ+ Stance

The Harris campaign has not responded to questions on whether the vice president was aware of the AME Church's stance on gay marriage prior to filming her message that was played at the conference or if she still supports the rights of same-sex couples to get married. The AME Church hung up the phone when Fox News Digital tried to reach out.

Harris's silence on this issue is particularly jarring given her previous harsh words for Republicans who have sought to keep biological males out of girls' bathrooms, limit public drag shows open to minors, and restrict transgender care to only adults. She has referred to such lawmakers as "extremists."

Vice President Harris's Silent Support for AME Church's Anti-LGBTQ+ Stance

Republicans, meanwhile, have derided Harris as a "political chameleon" who shifts her policy positions for political purposes.

The vice president's apparent lack of concern for the AME Church's anti-LGBTQ+ stance stands in stark contrast to her support for same-sex marriage during her own presidential campaign. In a 2020 debate, Harris said, "I believe that marriage should be between two people who love each other."

Vice President Harris's Silent Support for AME Church's Anti-LGBTQ+ Stance

Her current silence suggests that she may be unwilling to challenge the AME Church's discriminatory policy out of political expediency. This would be a betrayal of the LGBTQ+ community and a disservice to the Democratic Party's commitment to equality for all.

The AME Church has played a significant role in supporting Democratic candidates, including President Biden and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. However, its anti-LGBTQ+ stance is out of step with the growing majority of Americans who support same-sex marriage.

Harris's refusal to address this issue not only undermines her credibility as a champion of LGBTQ+ rights but also weakens the Democratic Party's commitment to equality for all.