Trump may force 4-H to stop welcoming LGBTQ kids

4-H, the international youth organization, issued diversity guidelines meant to grow membership by ensuring all children felt welcome. But evangelical Christians and anti-LGBTQ hate groups targeted the group to try to get the policy withdrawn.

via LGBTQ Nation

“Iowa 4-H does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran in any of its programs or activities,” the organization wrote on their website as they solicited feedback.

In Iowa, the religious right got upset after the state chapter posted the guidance on their website. Shortly after it was published, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture requested that it be rescinded. It was removed from the NIFA website the next day.

When Iowa state director Chaisson-Cárdenas refused to take down the guidance, insisting that the program “is for all kids,” he started getting death threats from right wingers and evangelicals started using their political power to get it withdrawn.

Chaisson-Cárdenas was fired over his support for the policy and his refusal to back down.

Photo via Des Moines Register