Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) who announced her candidacy for President in 2020 released a video stating that religious bigotry should be condemned. Gabbard who is the first Hindu to be elected to Congress has alleged that she has become the target of religious bigotry.
She also recently wrote an op/ed for The Hill condemning the Democrat attacks on the Knights of Columbus.
“Whether we think of ourselves as Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Sikh, Buddhists, Jews, atheists, agnostics, or anything else, it is imperative that we stand united in our commitment to protect religious freedom and the right to worship or not worship, safely and without the fear of retribution,” Gabbard wrote.
“Standing up for freedom of religion for all people is as critical now as it’s ever been–hatred and bigotry are casting a dark shadow over our political system and threatening the very fabric of our country,” she added.
The video Gabbard’s campaign reiterated what she wrote for The Hill.
Now, I certainly disagree with her theologically and politically. She once was a supporter of traditional marriage and has, unfortunately, backtracked from that stand after coming under fire by LGBTQ activists. That said, I appreciate that she’s one Democratic candidate who doesn’t appear to hate me because of my faith.
Gabbard stands out among the Democratic 2020 presidential race field, but I have to wonder how large of a bloc pro-religious liberty Democrats are and whether or not this message will resonate among Democrat primary voters.
I have my doubts, but I commend her for taking that stand.
