Kansas Senate Candidate Addresses LGBTQ Protections in Sermon
Kansas Democrat Senate nominee Adam Hamilton expressed concerns regarding the loss of LGBTQ protections during a sermon in January 2025. He highlighted how painful it was for the LGBTQ community to think about losing those rights, which he described as crucial.
As the senior pastor of the Church of the Resurrection and a challenger to incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), Hamilton shared his thoughts in a message titled A Message to President Trump, delivered shortly after Trump returned to the White House.
During his sermon, Hamilton referred to a message he received that morning from a member of his congregation. He recalled, “One of our gay members sent me this morning, the executive orders that were rescinded yesterday,” mentioning that there were cheers and applause when the rescinding was announced. He proceeded to read some of those orders from the Biden Administration.
He specifically mentioned the rescindment of Executive Order 14021, which guaranteed a discrimination-free educational environment regarding sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. He continued by detailing the rescindment of several other orders, including those that enabled service regardless of gender identity and protected against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
After listing the affected orders, he shared the painful impact this rescinding has on community members, stating, “For people who find themselves in this community, the thought that the rights they had — basic fundamental protections — have been rescinded is painful. It leads to tears and brokenness.”
Hamilton emphasized his church’s commitment to being a refuge for those affected, assuring his audience, “We’re going to be a safe place for people, where you don’t have to be afraid. This is a safe place for you.”
One of the significant orders he mentioned, Executive Order 13988, was aimed at preventing discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation and established nondiscrimination policies during Biden’s presidency. It sought to ensure that children could learn without fear of being denied access to facilities or activities based on their identity.
In a February 2021 analysis, a commentator noted that while the order didn’t directly tie federal funding to the participation of transgender athletes, institutions that restricted participation might risk losing federal support. This executive order also shaped federal housing policies, leading to the withdrawal of a proposed rule by the Trump administration that would have weakened protections for transgender individuals in housing programs.
President Trump, meanwhile, campaigned in Kansas on October 19, supporting Sen. Roger Marshall ahead of the November election. His rally attracted large crowds, and he criticized Hamilton, labeling him a “Radical Left Phony” and attacking his views on gender identity. Furthermore, reports indicate Hamilton previously supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and has been vocal about issues of race and justice during his political journey.
