Kansas Gov Sam Brownback confirmed as Ambassador at large for international religious freedom
Gov. Sam Brownback of Kansas was confirmed to an ambassadorship on Wednesday after a six-month after V.P. Mike Pence broke the Senate split 49-49 vote along party lines on the nomination of the Republican.
Brownback will be the ambassador at large for international religious freedom.
Thank you to @POTUS, @VP, and all the Senators who supported my nomination. I’m looking forward to starting my new position as Ambassador and working hard for the American people and religious freedom around the world. #ksleg
— Sam Brownback (@govsambrownback) Jan. 24, 2018
The Kansas governor has divided the two parties due to his stance on gay marriage, abortion and defunding Planned Parenthood.
“He has been a consistent, vocal, competent and impassioned advocate for these issues,” said the Rev. Johnnie Moore, a Southern Baptist minister who served on the evangelical advisory board for President Trump’s campaign. “It was all very logical to us that he would be the nominee, and we were thrilled by it.”
“ADF is very pleased to congratulate Gov. Brownback. America must defend and protect religious freedom globally, and Gov. Brownback is unquestionably capable of engaging this vital mission,” said Alliance Defending Freedom President, CEO, and General Counsel Michael Farris.
“It’s clear from history that when any nation abuses or suppresses religious freedom, other freedoms are likewise in danger. America needs a strong advocate for the basic human rights and dignity of those who wish to live consistently with their faith without undue government interference. We commend the Trump Administration and the Senate on the confirmation of Gov. Brownback, whose clear passion and understanding of this issue will work for the good of persecuted people of faith around the world.”
Many Democrats and gay rights advocates opposed the nomination of Brownback, who ended anti-discrimination protections for gay state workers in 2015, stating that it created a “special class” and the rules were unnecessary.
Despite the fears, no widespread anti-gay firings and lawsuits have emerged in Kansas.
“Oh yeah, and in his fifth year as Governor of Kansas, Brownback rescinded anti-discrimination protections for #LGBTQ state employees.With his confirmation as international ambassador, it is clear @realDonaldTrump & @VP Mike Pence are preparing to export their hateful agenda.”
— Lambda Legal (@LambdaLegal) Jan. 24, 2018
Brownback, whose term would have ended next January, was passed over for more prominent jobs in the Trump administration. When he was nominated for the religious freedom ambassadorship last summer, many expected a swift confirmation.
Two Republican senators were absent: John McCain (Ariz.), who is in his home state battling brain cancer, and Bob Corker (Tenn.), who was at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
