Clip of Texas representative’s speech against Christian nationalists goes viral
James Talarico is a fierce LGBTQ+ ally. (Alberto Silva Fernandez/Getty Images)
A clip of Texas state representative James Talarico’s speech against Christian nationalists is circulating on social media, nearly a year after he delivered it.
The fierce LGBTQ+ ally, who has continually spoke out against the homophobic, sexist and racist laws, gave the powerful speech at a Human Rights Campaign event in April last year.
‘Being a Christian is about loving thy neighbour, not bullying LGBTQ people’
In the speech, the Democrat, who is currently running for US Senate “to take his fight against corruption to Washington and win power back for working people”, said: “In scripture, Jesus befriended people that others called sinners. The only people in the Bible that Jesus condemned were religious leaders who used religion to hurt others.
“Being a Christian is about loving thy neighbour, not bullying LGBTQ people, chasing pregnant women across state lines, harassing librarians, silencing teachers and defunding our schools.
“I refuse to let Christian nationalists twist a religion of love to justify their hate.”
The clip of the Harvard-educated former teacher’s speech was posted on X by his campaign page, Team Talarico, and it has been viewed nearly 69,000 times.
Among the hundreds of comments and reposts, one person captioned the clip: “Love this guy!”
A different post captioned the clip: “I know of no other politician that counters White Christian Nationalists as effectively, do you? #Talarico for #Texas.”
Another caption read: “Hey @GOP MAGA Christians. Mr. Talarico is speaking truth to what Jesus was about.”
Republican president Donald Trump has used religion to divide and alienate US citizens. Last year, Trump announced the creation of a White House faith office to be led by a controversial televangelist, and set up a task force with a chilling mission to “eradicate anti-Christian bias”.
LGBTQ+ ally Talarico has consistently called out anti-LGBTQ+ Christian nationalist views, and in February he effortlessly dismantled Republican arguments over transgender kids playing sports, calling them a tactic to score “political points”.
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