Who’s questioning women’s right to vote?

August 12, 2025

A CNN news segment featuring Christian nationalist pastor Doug Wilson and his supporters, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has highlighted the growing visibility of fringe evangelical beliefs questioning women's right to vote. Wilson advocates for a patriarchal Christian society where men would cast votes for their households after discussion with family members. While Christian nationalism remains a minority viewpoint held by only about 10% of Americans, experts note these once-fringe ideas are gaining increased traction within the Republican Party.

Who is affected

Women whose voting rights are being questioned
Members of evangelical Christian communities
U.S. military personnel, particularly women in combat roles
American voters and citizens generally
LGBTQ+ individuals (referenced in Wilson's view that "sodomy" should be criminalized)
Members of Wilson's growing network of 150+ congregations across four continents

What action is being taken

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is publicly supporting Wilson's teachings and attending his church services
Wilson is expanding his evangelical network, including opening a new church in Washington, D.C.
Conservative religious figures are openly promoting previously fringe views about women's voting rights
Republican Party figures are increasingly associating with Christian nationalist viewpoints
Academic experts are studying and commenting on the rise of these movements

Why it matters

These views challenge fundamental constitutional rights established by the 19th Amendment
A high-ranking government official (Defense Secretary) is supporting views that question women's equality
While still minority positions, these views are gaining more visibility in mainstream political discourse
The movement represents a backlash against progressive gains in women's rights and gender equality
The connections between Christian nationalism and political power raise questions about potential policy impacts
Wilson's network is expanding internationally, spreading these views beyond the United States

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th