Adam Rippon, Openly Gay Ice Skater, Refuses Pence Meeting

Openly gay U.S. Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon has refused an invitation to speak with Vice President Mike Pence after accusing Pence of funding gay conversion therapy.

In January, when asked by USA Today reporter Christine Brennan about Pence’s selection to lead the U.S. delegation to the Olympic opening ceremony, Rippon said, “You mean Mike Pence, the same Mike Pence that funded gay conversion therapy? I’m not buying it.”  

Pence’s press secretary Alyssa Farah rebutted Rippon’s comments, telling USA Today, “The vice president is proud to lead the U.S. delegation to the Olympics and support America’s incredible athletes. This accusation is totally false and has no basis in fact. Despite these misinformed claims, the vice president will be enthusiastically supporting all the athletes competing next month in Pyeongchang.” 

Out of concern after the comments, Pence then reportedly requested to speak to Rippon, but Rippon declined to do so ahead of the competition. 

“If I had the chance to meet him afterwards, after I’ve finished competing, there might be a possibility to have an open conversation,” Rippon said last month, USA Today reported. “He seems more mild-mannered than Donald Trump. ... But I don’t think the current administration represents the values I was taught growing up. Mike Pence doesn’t stand for anything that I really believe in.”

Rippon’s comments stem from a website statement during Pence’s 2000 congressional campaign that read, “Resources should be directed toward those institutions which provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior,” USA Today reported. LGBT leaders interpreted the statement as supporting funding for gay conversion therapy, although Pence denies supporting the practice. 

Rippon has said he does not want to encounter Pence during the traditional meet-and-greet  before the opening ceremony, and will not visit the White House for the post-Olympic celebration hosted by President Donald Trump either, USA Today reported.

Rippon got a lot of support for his stance, but also was criticized for the refusal to meet with Pence. 

Why would Rippon want to talk to a person who believes (and spreads those beliefs, makes policy) he is an aberration?

— Valerie Leek (@ValeLeegirl) February 7, 2018

Rippon knows better than to waste time and words on a brick wall.

— RC deWinter (@RCdeWinter) February 7, 2018

I don’t know, I would’ve met happily with him. We can’t expect the other side to hear our views if we refuse to talk to them. If I was invited to talk to Mike Pence or any homophobic person, I would gladly talk to them. Conversations lead to understanding.

— Eddy Bee 🐝💜 (@EddyBee26) February 7, 2018

How is refusing to meet with the vice president who wants to have a nice get together to set up a friendly narrative a good thing? The ignorance of the left calling our nation intolerant due to our "white supremacy" government. The next generation will recognize this insanity

— John Bowers (@jolt4ty) February 7, 2018

That figure skater is going to regret that. Send Americans to the @Olympics, not snowflakes.

— Graham (@Graham78w) February 7, 2018

Could have worded this as @VP took the high road and offered to meet.

— Gil Reich (@GilR) February 7, 2018

• JK Rowling Burns Mike Pence With a Bible Verse Tweet
• Mike Pence's Neighbors Fly Rainbow Flags in Support of Gay Rights