Jennifer Lawrence attacks Mike Pence over ‘conversion therapy views’

Jennifer Lawrence has attacked former US vice president Mike Pence over his alleged beliefs around conversion therapy.

The harmful practice aims to change a person’s sexual or gender identity, and has long been discredited by medical and mental health experts, causing harmful effects on mental health.

Speaking at the GLAAD media awards last night, the Oscar-winning actress was presenting the Vito Russo Award to singer Orville Peck when she cracked a joke at Pence.

“I love the gay community. In fact, I was in love with a homosexual. I tried to convert him for years, but now I know conversion therapy doesn’t work,” Lawrence said.

“Did you hear me, Mike Pence? I said conversion therapy isn’t real, even though I know you think it worked on you.”

She then added: “He’s in New York tonight. He’s receiving a Kid’s Choice Award for weirdest dick.”

Pence is said to have a history of opposing LGBTQ+ rights, with the politician including support for diverting funds towards those “seeking to change their sexual behaviour” during a 2000 congressional campaign, according to Human Rights Campaign.

While governor of Indiana, he signed a religious freedom bill – which was criticised as anti-LGBTQ+ – surrounded by others who have allegedly expressed anti-LGBTQ+ views.

Responding in 2018 to accusations of supporting conversion therapy, a spokesperson for Pence denied this was the case (via The Washington Post), saying: “The vice president has never supported conversion therapy and doesn’t support it now. Any reports to the contrary are patently false. He’s been abundantly clear on the matter.”

Pence was vice president between 2017 and 2021 under Donald Trump, and launched an unsuccessful bid for the Republican Party nomination for president in 2024, withdrawing last year.

In other news, earlier this year at the Golden Globes Lawrence went viral on social media after jokingly mouthing the words: “If I don’t win, I’m leaving,” while nominations for her category Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy were read out.

However, she was later seen cheering and standing for eventual winner Emma Stone, who won the award for her performance in Poor Things.

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