NEW HAMPSHIRE’S FASTEST GROWING ONLINE NEWSPAPER

'Mayor Pete' would end military transgender ban, allow for conversion therapy

Comment Print
Related Articles
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg looks to the balcony of the Rochester Opera House as he delivers his speech Monday. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg laid out a broad package of military reforms he'd pursue if elected president including ending the ban on transgender service, government funding of any service members seeking transgender therapy and conversion and ending the practice where JAG officers prosecute sex assault crimes, instead relying on independent attorneys.

The South Bend, Ind., mayor, who's recently risen to the middle tier of Democratic hopefuls vying for the party's nomination, was in New Hampshire as part of a four-day swing through the Granite State over the Veterans Day weekend.

Rochester City Councilor Jeremy Hutchinson claps his hands as he announces his endorsement of presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg on Monday at the Rochester Opera House.

Monday's event was held at the historic Rochester Opera House and featured a full phalanx of state, national and international press including all the major American television networks.

The program called for a 1:15 p.m. start, but was held up about an hour due to television media from the major news outlets arriving and setting up late.

When the festivities finally began recently re-elected Rochester City Councilor Jeremy Hutchinson announced to a cheering crowd he was endorsing Buttigieg in his presidential bid.

"We have shared history of military service and as both having been the first openly gay men in our respective political positions," said Hutchinson.

Buttigieg's overarching message for veterans was that more needed to be done to make sure they are taken care of and made a part of the fabric of this country when they return to civilian life.

"Military reflects the best of America," he said, "but America has failed to take care of them when they came home."

SAY MY NAME, SAY MY NAME; A Pete Buttigieg shirt on sale outside the Rochester Opera House proves a primer for pronouncing the presidential hopeful's name.

He also recounted his own dismay when he entered the military during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy enacted in 1993 by President Clinton.

"When I joined I couldn't tell them of my love for another man," Buttigieg said.

The policy was ended by President Obama in 2011.

Buttigieg said his own transition to civilian life after a tour in Afghanistan wasn't as traumatic as it is to some, jokingly referring to driving with his mom after his return and yelling for her to "Clear Right!" whenever they approached an intersection.

However, he did admit to wrestling with some depression, including survivors' guilt in that he had made it back while others had not.

Read more from:
Top Stories
Tags:
None
Share:
Comment Print
Powered by Bondware
News Publishing Software

The browser you are using is outdated!

You may not be getting all you can out of your browsing experience
and may be open to security risks!

Consider upgrading to the latest version of your browser or choose on below: