Discover the Ongoing Debate: Who’s Challenging Women’s Right to Vote?

In a recent CNN interview, Pastor Doug Wilson shared his vision for a future where voting is done by households, not individuals. He believes the man of the house should cast the vote after discussing it with family members. Some supporters of his views are linked to the Republican Party, raising eyebrows about the growing acceptance of outdated beliefs regarding women’s suffrage.

Wilson’s views aren’t entirely new, but they’re gaining traction. Kristin Du Mez, a history professor and author, points out that Wilson has become more prominent thanks to the rise of figures like Donald Trump. “This is his moment,” she said, noting that Wilson’s opinions have emboldened others to voice similar thoughts without fear of backlash.

Wilson doesn’t shy away from controversy. He advocates for a society based on strict Christian values, including the notion that women should submit to their husbands. His support is echoed by public figures like Pete Hegseth, who recently supported Wilson’s ideas via social media. Hegseth is a member of a church that Wilson founded, which now boasts over 150 congregations worldwide. This raises questions about the influence of Wilson’s teaching on mainstream politics.

Historical context adds depth to this discussion. In 2024, just one in ten Americans identified as Christian nationalists, according to the Public Religion Research Institute. Ryan Dawkins, a political science expert, highlights a shift in the political landscape – Christian nationalism has become more closely associated with the Republican Party, especially among White Americans. Notably, it’s virtually absent within the Democratic Party.

Recently, some Republican figures have even suggested repealing the 19th Amendment. For instance, Paul Ingrassia, a Trump nominee, voiced approval of a suggestion that women shouldn’t vote. Such comments were echoed during the 2020 Republican National Convention when proposals were made for household voting, a practice that historically disenfranchises women.

Social media trends also illustrate the growing divide over women’s rights. The hashtag #repealthe19th went viral after a FiveThirtyEight analysis suggested that if only men voted, Trump would win. Activists from both the left and right reacted strongly, reflecting the contentious nature of the conversation.

Kelly Marino from Sacred Heart University points to a recurring cycle in history: periods of progress followed by backlash. Today, there’s a stark contrast between expanding views on gender and conservative ideals that seek to return to traditional family structures. This climate is reminiscent of the 1960s and 70s, where significant movements clashed with patriarchal views.

Joseph Slaughter, a history professor, adds another layer to this narrative. Although Wilson gains attention, he doesn’t represent the majority. “His provocative nature is becoming more accepted,” Slaughter notes. This shift raises concerns about the implications of such beliefs, especially when influential figures like Hegseth support them.

The conversation surrounding women’s voting rights and Christian nationalism is heating up. As views evolve, it’s crucial to be aware of these dynamics and their potential impact on society. The resurgence of such discussions reminds us that history often has a way of repeating itself and that vigilance is key in defending hard-won rights.

For more on the impact of Christian nationalism on modern politics, check out this analysis from the [Public Religion Research Institute](https://prri.org/research/a-christian-nation-understanding-the-threat-of-christian-nationalism-to-american-democracy-and-culture/).

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