On Monday, President Joe Biden sat down with guest host Kal Penn on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show to discuss his views on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights. Biden, 80, has a long track record of opposing legal recognition of same-sex couples, but has consistently spoken out in support of marriage equality in more recent years. During the interview, he shared an “epiphany” he experienced as a senior in high school when he saw two men kiss for the first time.[0]
“I’ll never forget – I turned and looked at my dad. He said, ‘Joey, it’s simple. They love each other,’” he added.[1]
Penn asked Biden what the federal government could do to protect LGBTQ Americans, especially trans kids who are dealing with regressive state laws that are popping up. Biden referred to the recently passed law protecting same-sex and interracial couples, and said, “The way we do it is we make sure we pass legislation like we did with same-sex marriage. You mess with that you’re breaking the law and you’re going to be held accountable.”[2]
Biden’s comments come as an unprecedented number of measures are being introduced in state legislatures this year that are seeking to restrict LGBTQ rights.[1] Florida, for example, has passed a law banning gender-affirming health care for minors, and proposed legislation banning transgender medical procedures.[3] The state also passed a “Don’t Say Gay Bill” last year, which prohibits teachers of younger kids from discussing LGBTQ+ issues.[4]
In response, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tweeted that “It is not ‘sinful’ to prohibit the mutilation of minors. It is not acceptable for the federal government to mandate that procedures like sex change operations be allowed for kids.”[5]
Overall, Biden’s comments reflect his commitment to protecting the rights of transgender individuals and ensuring that they are not subjected to discrimination or prejudice. He has proposed that laws may be required to attain this objective, and has denounced the recent limitations instituted in Florida as a misstep.[6] Penn’s first night as guest host of The Daily Show has proven that he is a worthy contender for the full-time position.
0. “Joe Biden Talks LGBTQI Rights on ‘The Daily Show’ With Kal Penn (VIDEO)” mycouriertribune.com, 12 Mar. 2023, https://www.mycouriertribune.com/lifestyles/entertainment/joe-biden-talks-lgbtqi-rights-on-the-daily-show-with-kal-penn-video/article_a1002843-e5cc-5ef3-8c66-98ee5bbd89e4.html
1. “Biden says efforts to restrict transgender rights ‘close to sinful'” CNN, 13 Mar. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/13/politics/joe-biden-daily-show-trans-rights/index.html
2. “President Biden calls anti-LGBTQ legislation ‘close to sinful'” attitude.co.uk, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.attitude.co.uk/news/president-biden-calls-anti-lgbtq-legislation-close-to-sinful-427988
3. “Biden Calls Bans on Transgender Treatments for Children ‘Close to Sinful’” National Catholic Register, 13 Mar. 2023, https://www.ncregister.com/cna/biden-calls-bans-on-transgender-treatments-for-children-close-to-sinful
4. “Joe Biden recalls seeing two men kissing in the 1950s and what his dad said” Queerty, 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.queerty.com/joe-biden-recalls-seeing-two-men-kissing-in-the-1950s-and-what-his-dad-said-20230314
5. “Ron DeSantis defends ban on ‘mutilation of minors’ after Biden rips Florida’s ‘cruel’ trans policies” Estonian Free Press, 14 Mar. 2023, https://estonianfreepress.com/news/united-states/ron-desantis-defends-ban-on-mutilation-of-minors-after-biden-rips-floridas-cruel-trans-policies/
6. “President Biden seeks federal protection for transgender rig…” MENAFN.COM, 14 Mar. 2023, https://menafn.com/1105772928/President-Biden-seeks-federal-protection-for-transgender-rights
