Longtime LGBT advocate Ed Madden says South Carolina’s gubernatorial candidates, Republican Nikki Haley and Democrat Vincent Sheheen are part of a problematic culture in which discrimination, prejudice and harassment aren’t only tolerated, but encouraged.
He makes the assertion in a guest commentary in Columbia’s Free Times. He writes:
Neither addressed the question of rights. It’s a subtle distinction, but worth noting that both are against unfair treatment, but couldn’t bring themselves to say they are for fair treatment. More importantly, neither addressed the real issue: a culture that impels gay kids to kill themselves, a culture that perpetuates and justifies bullying despite political soundbites about loving our children or “anything else.”