Women's right to vote potentially under threat, due to alleged support by Pete Hegseth
Hegseth's Controversial Stance on Women's Right to Vote Sparks Outrage
Pete Hegseth, the current US Defense Secretary, has found himself at the centre of a storm after sharing a CNN report featuring two senior pastors advocating against women's right to vote.
The report focuses on Douglas Wilson, a senior pastor at King's Cross Church in Moscow, Idaho, who is reportedly on a "crusade for Christian domination in the age of Trump." Hegseth, who is a parishioner of Wilson, has expressed his appreciation for Wilson's teachings according to a Pentagon spokesman.
This repost has sparked significant backlash, especially from Democratic congresswomen and female military veterans, who condemn Hegseth for undermining the 19th Amendment—ratified in 1920—which guarantees women's right to vote. The Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair accused Hegseth of using his role as Defense Secretary to "roll back a century of progress for women," highlighting the irony given that women serve in the military he oversees.
The controversy is not isolated. During Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, allegations surfaced that he had stated women should not have the right to vote or work, though his legal team denied these claims, and he later walked back earlier statements opposing women in military combat roles.
Hegseth’s support of such views aligns with a broader resurgence of conservative Christian nationalism questioning women’s political rights, reflecting a conservative backlash against prior expansions in gender and political rights. Experts note this tension echoes historical cycles where periods of liberal gender progress are followed by conservative pushes to reverse such gains.
The Freedom from Religion Foundation identified Hegseth's actions as a warning sign, and Jared Longshore, executive pastor of Christ Church in Idaho, supports the repeal of the 19th amendment to the US constitution, which gave women the right to vote. Toby Sumpter, another senior pastor at King's Cross Church, suggests that he would cast the vote for his household after discussing it with them.
indy100 has requested a comment from the US Department of Defense regarding the matter, and the platform offers a free weekly newsletter for subscribers. indy100 also has a free WhatsApp channel for readers to join. The controversy has caused concern among other social media users, with one describing Hegseth's views as "bats***."
[1] Pentagon spokesman confirms Hegseth's connection to Wilson. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.indy100.com/news/pete-hegseth-doug-wilson-pentagon-spokesman-connection-9770069 [2] Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair slams Hegseth for undermining women’s right to vote. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.indy100.com/news/democratic-womens-caucus-chair-hegseth-womens-right-to-vote-9773555 [3] Hegseth faces backlash over his stance on women's right to vote. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.indy100.com/news/hegseth-womens-right-to-vote-backlash-9773536 [4] Experts warn of conservative backlash against women's rights. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.indy100.com/news/conservative-backlash-womens-rights-9773521
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