The website for the presidential campaign of Republican nominee Donald Trump is selling “LGBTQ for Trump” t-shirts and pins, drawing applause from some and disappointment from others.
“Show your pride and your support for Trump with this exclusive equality tee,” the store page for the t-shirt, available as the “Trump pride men’s tee,” reads.
The shirt, swiped with rainbow colors and bearing the phrase “LGBTQ for Trump,” is available for $30 while the pin sells for two for $5.
Chris Barron of LGBT for Trump and GOProud praised the campaign’s offering of homosexual apparel, Tweeting, “@realDonaldTrump makes history again. First GOP Presidential candidate to do LGBT outreach merchandise! LOVE IT!”
Garison Carrell of the Log Cabin Republicans did the same, posting, “The absolute most pro-gay candidate. Thank you @realDonaldTrump #GaysforTrump #LGBT #Election2016”
But Cary Gordon, pastor of Cornerstone World Outreach in Sioux City, Iowa, expressed sorrow over the development.
“From Donald Trump’s campaign website… You can buy pro-gay pride Trump for President t-shirts. Tell me again how the Church should ignore and dishonor Exodus 18:21 to help this wicked assistant to the enemy of religious liberty so they can ‘stop’ a ‘greater evil,'” he Tweeted on Sunday.
Gordon was referring to the biblical mandate to select rulers “such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.”
The Constitution Party of Tennessee likewise conveyed its dismay over the matter.
“Donald J. Trump becomes the first Republican presidential candidate to offer official pro-LGBTQ merchandise with the unveiling of ‘LGBTQ for Trump’ apparel. If Trump will do this, what won’t he do?” it opined.
As previously reported, Trump declared at a fundraiser in June that he is the best candidate for the “gay community.”
“So you tell me, who’s better for the gay community, and who’s better for women than Donald Trump? Believe me!” he said.
During his acceptance speech last month, Trump told those gathered that he would work to protect homosexuals if elected.
“As president, I will do everything in my power to protect LGBTQ citizens from the violence and oppression of a hateful foreign ideology,” Trump declared, being met with applause.
“And, I have to say, as a Republican, it is so nice to hear you cheering for what I just said,” he said in response.
In February, he also replied in the affirmative when asked by a lesbian reporter if the nation can expect “more forward motion” on homosexual issues if elected president.
Both Trump and Clinton have declared that they are the best choice for the “LBGT community.”
“We will defend all our rights—civil rights, human rights and voting rights—women’s rights and workers’ rights—LGBT rights and the rights of people with disabilities!” Clinton declared during her acceptance speech a week after Trump made his remarks.
The previous month, she marched in New York City’s “gay pride” parade, posting numerous Tweets that day about the issue, including a video of the Democratic candidate speaking at a homosexual and transgender community center.
“[P]art of what I want to do as president is to keep not only our campaign for full equality going, but also to turn our attention with the help of so many like you to speak out and work for giving others around the world the opportunity to be who they are, love who they choose, [and] have the kind of future they deserve,” she said in the clip.