Barack Obama on Civil Rights : Nov 11, 2007
Being gay or lesbian is not a choice

A: No.

Q: Do you believe that it is something that you are born gay or that you can change your behavior?

A: I do not believe being gay or lesbian is a choice. And so I disagree with [that supporter]. But part of what I hope to offer as president is the ability to reach to people that I don't agree with, and the evangelical community is one where the Democratic Party, I think, we have generally seen as hostile. We haven't been reaching out to them, and I think that if we're going to makes significant progress on critical issues that we face, we've got to be able to get beyond our comfort zones and just talk to people we don't like. I've tried to do is to reach out to the evangelical community and tell them very clearly where I disagree.

Fred Thompson on Civil Rights : Nov 4, 2007
Dislikes gay marriage, but states allowed to do it

A: Yes. Marriage is between a man and a woman. Nobody ever thought that that was contested until recently, and we've had a couple judges in a couple states decide to turn all that on its head. I would support a constitutional amendment that addresses this judge-created problem, and say judges can't do that. But, at the end of the day, if a state legislature and a governor decide that that's what they want to do, yes, they should have the freedom to do what Fred Thompson thinks is a very bad idea.

Ron Paul on Civil Rights : Oct 21, 2007
Protect all voluntary associations; don't define marriage

A: If you believe in federalism, it's better that we allow these things to be left to the state. My personal belief is that marriage is a religious ceremony. And it should be dealt with religiously. The [government] really shouldn't be involved. The government got involved mostly for health reasons 100 years or so ago. But this should be a religious matter. All voluntary associations, whether they're economic or social, should be protected by the law. But to amend the Constitution is totally unnecessary to define something that's already in the dictionary. We do know what marriage is about. We don't need a new definition or argue over a definition and have an Amendment. To me, it just seems so unnecessary to do that. There's no need for the federal government to be involved in this.

Mitt Romney on Civil Rights : Oct 21, 2007
MA Constitution, by John Adams, has no same-sex marriage

The status of marriage, if it's allowed among the same sex individuals in one state is going to spread to the entire nation. And that's why it's important to have a national standard for marriage. And I'm committed to making sure that we reinforce the institution of marriage in this country by insisting that all states have a right to have marriage as defined as between a man and a woman; and we don't have unelected judges saying we're going to impose same-sex marriage where it was clearly not in their state constitution.

My state's constitution was written by John Adams. It isn't there. I've looked. The people need to speak on this issue and make sure that marriage is preserved as between a man and a woman.

Rudy Giuliani on Civil Rights : Oct 21, 2007
No Marriage Amendment needed now, but maybe if DOMA fails

A: I do not believe under the state that presently exists, with the Defense of Marriage Act and basically one state that has by judicial fiat created same-sex marriage--I don't think we need a constitutional amendment at this point. If a lot of states start to do that--5 or 6 states--then we should have a constitutional amendment.

John Cox on Jobs : Sep 17, 2007
No "sexual orientation" in Employment Non-Discrimination Act

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO:Yes.
• COX: Yes.
• BROWNBACK:Yes.
• PAUL:Yes.
• HUNTER:Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

John Cox on Civil Rights : Sep 17, 2007
Marriage about protecting children; not homosexual largesse

A: Marriage is about protecting children. That's what it is all about. The effort by the homosexual lobby is all about trying to get the government to recognize a relationship that exists between them, and have it validated and have it benefited by government largesse. We need to talk about faith, but we also need to talk about common sense. We need to talk about the ideals of protecting children. And that's so important for the future of our country, because, let's face it, without children, we don't have a country go forward. Talk to China. Their one-child policy is really going to lead to the destruction of that country. We need to have a marriage amendment. I will travel everywhere to argue that marriage is common sense, it protects children, and we ought to continue to justify it and honor it, and keep it the institution it should be for the protection of children.

John Cox on Civil Rights : Sep 17, 2007
Respect people's freedom but don't sanction gay behavior

A: You know, this is a free country, and we have to respect people's freedom to do what they want to do. But you know what? We don't have to sanction it. We don't have to sanction behavior. We don't have to support it financially. And we don't need to put more rights that will create more litigation in this country. The last thing we need in this country is more litigation from rights.

Ron Paul on Civil Rights : Sep 17, 2007
No legislation to counteract the homosexual agenda

A: If you want to change people, you change them through persuasion, through family values and church values, but you can't do it through legislation because force doesn't work. But if homosexual groups want to enforce their way on us, there's no right to do that, either. At the same time, you should eradicate all these hate laws. They indicate that some people would receive a different penalty on others.

Mike Huckabee on Families & Children : Sep 17, 2007
High divorce rate fails at presenting role model

The basic purpose of a parent is to train his replacement. Where are kids going to learn what a family looks like, what a marriage looks like, if most the marriages in this country end in divorce?

I want us to be very careful that we don't come across as having some type of animosity or hatred toward people, even those whose lifestyles are inexplicable to us. But by the same token, as a Christian, we are obligated to stand for that institution that is the only institution from which there really is the definition of family, and that's mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, people related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Sam Brownback on Jobs : Sep 17, 2007
No "sexual orientation" in Employment Non-Discrimination Act

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO:Yes.
• COX: Yes.
• BROWNBACK:Yes.
• PAUL:Yes.
• HUNTER:Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

Tom Tancredo on Civil Rights : Sep 17, 2007
We are just one kooky judge away from homosexual marriage

Ron Paul on Civil Rights : Sep 17, 2007
No affirmative action for any group

This violates the principle on the importance of the individual, and confuses us about the importance of individual rights, which is the purpose of the Constitution. Defend our individual rights.

Ron Paul on Crime : Sep 17, 2007
Opposes "hate crimes" legislation

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO: Yes.
• COX: Yes.
• BROWNBACK: Yes.
• PAUL: Yes.
• HUNTER: Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

Mike Huckabee on Crime : Sep 17, 2007
Opposes "hate crimes" legislation

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO: Yes.
• COX: Yes.
• BROWNBACK: Yes.
• PAUL: Yes.
• HUNTER: Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

John Cox on Civil Rights : Sep 17, 2007
Stand up for proper behavior or we end up with bestiality

A: I don't know that we help ourselves when we try to moralize to a large part of the country that is not a believer like us. I think we need to use common sense. We certainly need to stand up for the proper behavior, we absolutely need to do that, but we need to use common sense, and talk about the fact that we can't open the floodgates to polygamy & bestiality & all kinds of other things. Kids, hold your ears.

Mike Huckabee on Jobs : Sep 17, 2007
No "sexual orientation" in Employment Non-Discrimination Act

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO:Yes.
• COX: Yes.
• BROWNBACK:Yes.
• PAUL:Yes.
• HUNTER:Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

Mitt Romney on Principles & Values : Sep 17, 2007
Absent from Values Voter Presidential Debate

GOV. ROMNEY: [absent from podium]

MODERATOR: Next question.

John Cox on Crime : Sep 17, 2007
Opposes "hate crimes" legislation

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO: Yes.
• COX: Yes.
• BROWNBACK: Yes.
• PAUL: Yes.
• HUNTER: Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

Tom Tancredo on Education : Sep 17, 2007
Introduced voucher system in Colorado in 1992

Duncan Hunter on Education : Sep 17, 2007
Schools forfeit funds if they expose kids to gay propaganda

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO: Yes.
• COX: Yes. Can we do away with the Department of Education, and forfeit all funding?
• BROWNBACK: Yes.
• PAUL: Yes.
• HUNTER: Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

Tom Tancredo on Civil Rights : Sep 17, 2007
President can't legislate morality; but can lead on morality

A: What a president can do under these circumstances is constrained by the Constitution, and appropriately so. A president simply can't make a rule, sign an executive order changing the morality of the country. It can't happen that way. You do so by leadership.

Sam Brownback on Civil Rights : Sep 17, 2007
Fight against hate crimes legislation

A: This is something we have got to fight against, that somehow that the thought is what the crime is, and that being moved into an agenda not allowing people to speak their beliefs about homosexuality.

Duncan Hunter on Homeland Security : Sep 17, 2007
Resisting gays in military is why we have best military

Ron Paul on Jobs : Sep 17, 2007
No "sexual orientation" in Employment Non-Discrimination Act

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO:Yes.
• COX: Yes.
• BROWNBACK:Yes.
• PAUL:Yes.
• HUNTER:Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

Sam Brownback on Crime : Sep 17, 2007
Opposes "hate crimes" legislation

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO: Yes.
• COX: Yes.
• BROWNBACK: Yes.
• PAUL: Yes.
• HUNTER: Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

John Cox on Education : Sep 17, 2007
Schools forfeit funds if they expose kids to gay propaganda

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO: Yes.
• COX: Yes. Can we do away with the Department of Education, and forfeit all funding?
• BROWNBACK: Yes.
• PAUL: Yes.
• HUNTER: Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

Duncan Hunter on Crime : Sep 17, 2007
Opposes "hate crimes" legislation

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO: Yes.
• COX: Yes.
• BROWNBACK: Yes.
• PAUL: Yes.
• HUNTER: Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

Tom Tancredo on Crime : Sep 17, 2007
Opposes "hate crimes" legislation

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO: Yes.
• COX: Yes.
• BROWNBACK: Yes.
• PAUL: Yes.
• HUNTER: Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

Duncan Hunter on Jobs : Sep 17, 2007
No "sexual orientation" in Employment Non-Discrimination Act

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO:Yes.
• COX: Yes.
• BROWNBACK:Yes.
• PAUL:Yes.
• HUNTER:Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

Tom Tancredo on Jobs : Sep 17, 2007
No "sexual orientation" in Employment Non-Discrimination Act

• HUCKABEE: Yes.
• TANCREDO:Yes.
• COX: Yes.
• BROWNBACK:Yes.
• PAUL:Yes.
• HUNTER:Yes.
• KEYES: Yes.

John Edwards on Civil Rights : Sep 6, 2007
Ok to read about same-sex couples to second-graders

A: Yes, absolutely. I want my children to understand everything about the difficulties that gay and lesbian couples are faced with every day, the discrimination that they're faced with every single day of their lives. Second grade might be a little tough, but even in second grade to be exposed to all of those possibilities because I don't want to impose my view. Nobody made me God. But what I will do as president is I will lead an effort to make sure that the same benefits that are available to heterosexual couples--1,100, roughly, benefits in the federal government--are available to same-sex couples; that we get rid of DOMA; that we get rid of "don't ask, don't tell."

Sam Brownback on Civil Rights : Sep 5, 2007
Ban gay marriage--it's a vast social experiment

A: The answer to that is yes. And the reason is, this is a foundational institution. I understand we as a country are struggling with this question. But these issues aren't done in a vacuum. In countries that have redefined marriage, where they've said, OK, it's not just a man and a woman, it can be two men, two women, the marriage rates in those countries have plummeted to where you have counties now in northern Europe where 80% of the first-born children are born out of wedlock. We don't need more children born out of wedlock; we need more children born into wedlock, between a mom and a dad bonded together for life. When you do these vast, social experiments--and that's what this is, when you redefine marriage--they're not done in isolation. They impact the rest of the culture around you. When you take the sacredness out of marriage, you will drive the marriage rates down.

Mike Huckabee on Families & Children : Sep 1, 2007
Supports convenant marriage; adopted it in Arkansas

Dennis Kucinich on Education : Aug 9, 2007
Teach sex ed in schools; including AIDS prevention

A: First of all, the answer to your question is yes. This is a very serious health issue. And through our education system, a president must help the country, and help our children, in particular, learn the kind of conduct that promotes health. And that also means sex education. Now, some parents may not want that, and they should have the right to opt out. But the truth of the matter is that we need to have sex education. We also need a president who is ready to embrace people with AIDS in a real, meaningful way that says that, look, we want you to receive all the care that you need by having a not-for-profit health care system.

Hillary Clinton on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
GLBT progress since 2000, when I marched in gay pride parade

A: Well, obviously, I don't see it quite the way that you describe, but I respect your feeling about it. You know, we certainly didn't get as much done as I would have liked, but I believe that there was a lot of honest effort going on by the president, the vice president and the rest of us who were trying to keep the momentum going. You know, I remember when I was running for the Senate as first lady marching in the gay pride parade in New York City, and to a lot of people that was just an unbelievable act.

Q: Why not be the leader now?

A: I think I am a leader now. But as president, I think I have an opportunity to reverse the concerted assault on people. It wasn't just on people's rights; it was on people. It was demeaning; it was mean-spirited. And that will end.

Dennis Kucinich on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
Not any issue on which he disagrees with GLBT community

A: (Pause).

Q: There's got to be something.

A: All I can say is, keep those contributions coming, you'll have the president that you want.

Q: I'll take that as a "no."

A: That's a "no."

John Edwards on Principles & Values : Aug 9, 2007
Stand up to hate-mongering by Republicans

This is only one area where the right wing uses scare tactics to divide the American people. And the truth is, both in a presidential campaign and in governing, it is so important that we reject this hate-mongering. I have seen hate-mongering with language used when I was growing up in the segregated South. And if you stand quietly by and let it happen, it takes hold, and then people begin to believe it's okay to use that kind of language, and it's okay to use hate-mongering to separate us. We have to stand up for what's right and fair and just, and we have do it with passion and strength. It is bad for America for us to let anybody speaking to the American people use these issues to divide us.

Bill Richardson on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
Homosexuality is a choice, but it's not an issue of science

A: It's a choice.

Q: I don't know if you understand the question. Do you think a homosexual is born that way, or do you think that around seventh grade we go, "Ooh, I want to be gay"?

A: Well, I'm not a scientist. I don't see this as an issue of science or definition. I see gays and lesbians as people as a matter of human decency. I don't like to categorize people. I don't like to answer definitions like that, that perhaps are grounded in science or something else that I don't understand.

Q: Well, it's hard when you are a citizen of a country that tells you that you are making a choice when you were born that way.

A: As a Hispanic, I grew up with people thinking because of my darker skin and because I wasn't fully speaking English at a time, that I was not equal. So I understand that issue of inequality, and so across the board I've always felt that every human being desires the same rights.

Bill Richardson on Immigration : Aug 9, 2007
Include same-sex couples in binational marriage sponsorship

A: I believe that when you have expansion of domestic partnership, of civil unions, it should be to all people, regardless of where you are -- overseas, underseas, anywhere. There's a bill [proposing this] in Congress, which I have already said I would support.

Mike Gravel on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
Straight older men are dead wrong to oppose gay marriage

A: About my generation, most of them are wrong. They're dead wrong. They're dead wrong. You know, when I was a kid there was a lot of homophobia around. I can recall when the gay issue was, what, 55% opposed, 40% for. And lo and behold, now if you're talking about the gay issue in general, it's probably 59% for, and the rest are in the dustbin of history. The same thing's going to happen with the marriage issue. I'll make you a promise. Five years from now the marriage issue will be a non-issue in the next presidential campaign. Just that simple.

Q: If you think it's changing so much, you could put gay marriage up to a popular vote and it would win?

A: I think so. I think that the American people are basically got really an underlying sense of values of fairness.

Bill Richardson on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
Included transgender in hate-crimes law

Look at what Bill Richardson as governor has done.
1. I passed a hate crimes act that was based on non-discrimination I was the first governor to include transgender.
2. I also passed domestic partnerships avoiding discrimination. I'm the only governor that called a special session to expand domestic partnership.
3. I've appointed Cabinet members that are gay and lesbians. All through my administration I have been inclusive of the lesbian/gay community.

Bill Richardson on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
Voted for DOMA, but now regrets vote; repeal it

A: I was the chief deputy Democratic whip at the time, and Clinton was president. The objective in passing DOMA was to fight a huge assault for a constitutional amendment in the Congress to ban gay marriage. It was sort of a cheap political way to decimate a bad initiative. I would repeal that horrendous initiative that I voted for and I regret now. DOMA would preclude a number of the full partnership rights that I want to see with civil unions.

Mike Gravel on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
Civil union establish second-class citizenship for gays

A: I know that Rep. Barney Frank initially said that they should have not gone for it. I disagree. But now he's changed his position. He feels that you draw a line in the sand by telling people that you can't use the word marriage, which, of course, has been misappropriated by religion. Go to the City Hall next time and look for where you go get your license. Does it say Gay Same Sex Union or does it say Marriage License Bureau? It says Marriage License. What you have to recognize is that when people are telling you that you can't be married, what they're telling you is there's something wrong with you, you're second-class citizens, and that's not so. You're not second-class citizens, and the sooner our nation matures to that level [the better]. Leadership is the task of bringing us forward to civic maturity, and we don't have enough of that leadership at the presidential level.

Barack Obama on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
Has any marriage broken up because two gays hold hands?

Chris Dodd on Homeland Security : Aug 9, 2007
Supports repealing Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell

A: Support.

Q: Do you support modifying the Social Security System to pay survivor benefits to the same sex partners of gay and lesbian people?

A: Support.

Q: Do you support fair and equal tax treatment of same sex couples on the same basis as married couples?

A: Support.

Q: Do you support domestic partner coverage for gay and lesbian employees of the civilian federal workforce?

A: Support.

Joe Biden on Homeland Security : Aug 9, 2007
Don't Ask Don't Tell is antiquated & unworkable

A: Sen. Biden supports ending the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. It is antiquated and unworkable. According to recent polls, 3/4 of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan said that they had no problem serving with openly gay people. 24 of the nations serving alongside US forces in Iraq permit open service which has had no negative impact on these forces or the morale of our brave soldiers. Finally, the US does not have enough troops to fulfill our current missions--it is ridiculous to turn away brave and patriotic Americans who volunteer to serve solely because of their sexual orientation--especially in light of the Defense Department's recent decision to extend tours of duty in Iraq. Sen. Biden believes that we should treat everyone serving in the military by the same standards regardless of orientation.

Barack Obama on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
Gay marriage is less important that equal gay rights

A: Look, when my parents got married in 1961, it would have been illegal for them to be married in a number of states in the South. So obviously, this is something that I understand intimately, it's something that I care about. But if I were advising the civil rights movement back in 1961 about its approach to civil rights, I would have probably said it's less important that we focus on an anti-miscegenation law than we focus on a voting rights law and a non-discrimination and employment law and all the legal rights that are conferred by the state. Now, it's not for me to suggest that you shouldn't be troubled by these issues. But my job as president is going to be to make sure that the legal rights that have consequences on a day to day basis for loving same sex couples all across the country.

Hillary Clinton on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
Let states decide gay marriage; they're ahead of feds

A: It's easy to forget that just 2 years ago we were facing all of these referenda that were enshrining discrimination in state constitutions. Unfortunately, they passed. Now, we're beginning to see other states take different approaches, because stopping the Federal Marriage Amendment gave the states the breathing room to make different decisions.

Q: In the civil rights struggle, the same argument of states' rights issue was used as a red herring. Doesn't marriage as a states' rights issue resonate the same way?

A: Absolutely. But this has not been a long-term struggle yet, and I think the states are moving much more rapidly to deal with the inequalities than you would find at the federal level. The reason we were plotting strategy to beat the Federal Marriage Amendment is that we were worried it was going to pass. But I don't know that we could have defeated the Federal Marriage Amendment if we had not had DOMA.

Mike Gravel on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
Alaskan gay supporters in Harvey Milk Club

A: I live in Virginia now, but my heart is still in Alaska.

Q: Are there many gay people up in Alaska ?

A: My coterie of support within the Harvey Milk Club [a San Francisco-based GLBT support group] is the Alaskans that are in that club. They're in the audience right today.

Mike Gravel on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
By next election, gay marriage could win a popular vote

A: The marriage issue will be a non-issue in the next presidential campaign.

Q: If you think attitudes are changing so much, you could put gay marriage up to a popular vote and it would win?

A: I think so. I think that the American people are basically got really an underlying sense of values of fairness.

Q: Things have changed that much?

A: What happens is we had the leadership that demagogues the issue to a fare-thee-well, whether it's presidential candidates who can't quite get their arms around the marriage issue and, of course, will give you an argument. And it could be a real argument that it's their morality that doesn't permit it or it's a political argument. When people like myself or Dennis Kucinich move the ball down the court a little bit, that benefits the gay community. And it's sort of ironic that we see the gay community supporting people like Hillary, Obama, Edwards, who, for some reason, can't get their arms around marriage.

John Edwards on Health Care : Aug 9, 2007
Exactly the same healthcare rights for same-sex couples

A: Those rights should be available to gay and lesbian couples. In my universal health care plan, and I've made it very clear that those rights to gay and lesbian couples would be exactly the same as they would for straight couples. And so those health care benefits would be available to someone in that situation.

Hillary Clinton on Homeland Security : Aug 9, 2007
Should have criticized JCC for calling homosexuality immoral

A: Well, it was a mistake. Because what I went on to say after what you quoted was to launch an attack on "don't ask, don't tell." You know, because my view was that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs had absolutely no right to say what he said. I disagreed with him profoundly. But what was really offensive is that he was in a position of responsibility that had a direct impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of these young people in the military. So I went right at him on "don't ask, don't tell." And you say these things when somebody sticks a microphone in front of you; I thought that was pretty good. It wasn't. So I immediately got the first opportunity I could to say the whole thing.

Mike Gravel on Health Care : Aug 9, 2007
Need to do better job on treating Americans with HIV

A: The obvious answer is that we need to do a better job on health care. We need to do a better job with respect to how we treat Americans. I feel very deeply.

John Edwards on Civil Rights : Aug 9, 2007
Mistake to say my faith makes me oppose same-sex marriage

A: Well, I have to tell you, I shouldn't have said that, because I believe, to my core, in equality. It makes perfect sense to me that gay and lesbian couples would say, "Civil unions, great; 1,100 federal benefits, great; give us these rights, we deserve these rights." And they're absolutely right about that. But it stops short of real equality. And the only thing I would say about the faith question is I think from my perspective it is wrong -- because we have seen a president in the last six-plus years who tries to impose his faith on the American people. And I think it is a mistake and I will not impose my faith belief on the American people. I don't believe any president should do that. I believe in the separation of church and state.

John Edwards on Civil Rights : Jul 23, 2007
Opposes gay marriage due to his religion; but conflicted

A: I do not believe that's right. I feel enormous personal conflict about this issue. I want to end discrimination. But I personally have been on a journey on this issue. My wife Elizabeth supports gay marriage. I do not. But this is a very, very difficult issue for me.

Q: The question is, why is it OK to cite religious beliefs when talking about why you don't support something?

A: It's not. I mean, I've been asked a personal question, do I personally support gay marriage? The honest answer to that is I don't. But I think it is absolutely wrong, as president, for me to have used that faith basis as a basis for denying anybody their rights, and I will not do that when I'm president.

Barack Obama on Civil Rights : Jul 23, 2007
Let each denominations decide on recognizing gay marriage

A: We've got to make sure that everybody is equal under the law. And the civil unions that I proposed would be equivalent in terms of making sure that all the rights that are conferred by the state are equal for same-sex couples as well as for heterosexual couples. Now, with respect to marriage, it's my belief that it's up to the individual denominations to make a decision as to whether they want to recognize marriage or not. But in terms of, you know, the rights of people to transfer property, to have hospital visitation, all those critical civil rights that are conferred by our government, those should be equal.

Hillary Clinton on Homeland Security : Jul 18, 2007
1999: overturn don't-ask-don't-tell so gays can serve openly

Mitt Romney on Principles & Values : Jun 28, 2007
FactCheck: VT would disagree that MA is most liberal state

True, Massachusetts has Democratic Sens. Ted Kennedy and John Kerry, and in 2004 it became the first state in the nation to legalize gay marriage. In the 1972 presidential election, it was the only state (plus DC) won by Democratic nominee George McGovern.

But consider Vermont, the home of Sen. Bernie Sanders, a self-described "independent democratic socialist," and of Howard Dean, former governor. Social activist ice cream czars Ben & Jerry also are based there.

Then there's Rhode Island, which cast a greater share of its votes--61%--for Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore in 2000 than any other state. And some might well grant the distinction to New Jersey, which has a higher personal income tax than Massachusetts, as well as two Democratic senators.

Joe Biden on Civil Rights : Jun 3, 2007
Nobody asks if you're gay in a foxhole

Mike Huckabee on Civil Rights : Jun 3, 2007
Address gay behavior if problematic, not gay attitudes

PAUL: I think the current policy is a decent policy. If there is homosexual behavior in the military that is disruptive, it should be dealt with. But if there's heterosexual sexual behavior that is disruptive, it should be dealt with. So it isn't the issue of homosexuality.

HUCKABEE: It's already covered by the Uniform Code of Military Conduct. I think that's what Congressman Paul was saying. It's about conduct, it's not about attitude. You don't punish people for their attitudes. You punish them if their behavior creates a problem.

Q: So you wouldn't change existing policy.?

HUCKABEE: I don't think that I would. I think it's already covered by the existing policy that we do have, in fact.

Mike Huckabee on Civil Rights : Jun 1, 2007
Gay tolerance reflects lack of fixed societal standards

Everything you do and believe is directed by your answer to the ultimate question: Is there a God? It all comes down to that single issue. If there is a God, then everything moves one way. If there isn't, it moves another.

By refusing to define character using fixed standards, we lose our reference point., we lose our ability to navigate, and, therefore, we drift. Who is right and who is wrong? Who knows?

Tommy Thompson on Civil Rights : May 3, 2007
Ok for private business to fire employees for being gay

A: I think that is left up to the individual business. I really sincerely believe that that is an issue that business people have got to make their own determination as to whether or not they should be.

Q: So the answer's yes.

A: Yes.

Tommy Thompson on Civil Rights : May 3, 2007
Apologizes for ok'ing firing employees for being gay

The question: "If a private employer finds homosexuality immoral, should he be allowed to fire a gay worker?" His response: "I think that is left up to the individual business. I really sincerely believe that that is an issue that business people have got to make their own determination as to whether or not they should be."

Asked if his answer was yes, Thompson said, "Yes."

Joe Biden on Civil Rights : Apr 29, 2007
Civil unions ok; gay marriage is probably inevitable

A: Well, I think it probably is because social mores change. But I don't think the government can dictate the definition of marriage to religious institutions. But government does have an obligation to guarantee that every individual is free of discrimination. And there's a distinction. I think government should not be able to dictate to religions the definition of marriage, but on a civil side, government has the obligation to strip away every vestige of discrimination as to what individuals are able to do in terms of their personal conduct.

So New Hampshire coming out in favor of civil unions is OK by you?

A: Yes. Yes, it is.

Chris Dodd on Civil Rights : Apr 26, 2007
Supports civil unions but opposes gay marriage

A: I always begin this question by asking people to consider what they would do in the case of their own children. I have two very young daughters who one day may have a different sexual orientation than their parents. How would I like them treated as adults? What kind of homes, what kind of jobs, what kind of retirement would they be allowed to have? I think if you ask yourself that question, you come to the conclusion that I hope most Americans would: that they ought to be able to have those loving relationships sanctioned. I'm proud of the fact that my state has done so. I believe that civil unions are appropriate and proper. I don't support same-sex marriage. And the distinction there is one of what the traditions are over the years. But, basically, that's a distinction I make. Strongly support those civil unions.

Fred Thompson on Civil Rights : Mar 11, 2007
No gay marriage; leave civil unions to the states

A: Yes. You know, marriage is between a man and a woman, and I don't believe judges ought to come along and change that.

Q: What about civil unions?

A: I think that that ought to be left up to the states. I personally do not think that that is a good idea, but I believe in many of these cases where there's real dispute in the country, these things are not going to be ever resolved. People are going to have different ideas. That's why we have states. We ought to give great leeway to states and not have the federal government and not have the Supreme Court of the United States making social policy that's contrary to the traditions of this country and changing that overnight. And that's what's happened in a lot of these areas.

Fred Thompson on Civil Rights : Mar 11, 2007
Be tolerant of gays, but no special categories or rights

A: I think that we ought to be a tolerant nation. I think we ought to be tolerant people. But we shouldn't set up special Q: Let's do a lightning round to see where you stand. Gay rights.

A: I think that we ought to be a tolerant nation. I think we ought to be tolerant people. But we shouldn't set up special categories for anybody. And I'm for the rights of everybody, including gays, but not any special rights.

Mike Gravel on Civil Rights : Feb 26, 2007
Unequivocally supports same-sex marriage

A press release spelled out his support for the recognition of same-sex marriages and other aspects of the gay civil rights agenda. It said Senator Gravel:
• Unequivocally supports same-sex marriage and opposes the Defense of Marriage Act.
• Supports expanding hate-crime legislation and opposes laws that allow discrimination against sexual orientation, as well as discrimination on the basis of one's gender identity or expression.
• In the absence of full marriage rights, supports domestic partner benefits for all Americans.
• Will repeal the military's 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' legislation on the grounds that it is unconstitutional, as it restricts the rights of gay Americans.
• Opposes any state or national constitutional amendment that restricts the rights of the LGBT community.

John Edwards on Civil Rights : Feb 4, 2007
No gay marriage, but no discrimination & civil unions

A: I think it's from my own personal culture and faith belief. I struggle myself with imposing my faith belief. The question is whether I, as president, should impose my views on gay marriage because I know where it comes from. I'm aware of why I believe what I believe. And I think there is consensus around this idea of no discrimination, partnership benefits, civil unions.

John Edwards on Civil Rights : Feb 4, 2007
Let gays serve in the military

A: I'm not an expert on sexual orientation. I think that there's a real possibility that people are born gay, yes.

Q: Do you believe that homosexuality is a sin?

A: No.

Q: Do you believe that openly gay men and women should be able to serve in the military.

A: Yes.

Q: And you would do that as president?

A: Absolutely.

Mike Huckabee on Civil Rights : Jan 28, 2007
USA has gone from Barney Fife to Barney Frank

A: It was a matter of a rhetorical device to talk about the different cultural shift that we have, and it wasn't any particular attempt to be derisive of him. But there has been a huge cultural shift in this country.

Q: Some would suggest by including Barney Frank in that reference you are tearing a gay man down. You're against gay marriage, you're against gay civil unions. Do you have a problem with gay people?

A: No. I have a problem with changing institutions that have served us. Before we change the definition of marriage to mean something different, I think our real focus ought to be on trying to strengthen heterosexual marriages because half of them are ending in divorce.

Mike Huckabee on Civil Rights : Jan 28, 2007
Respect gay couples but no gay adoptions

A: Unfortunately, so much of this argument has been framed about what the same-sex couple wants. But the real question needs to be child-focused, not couple-focused. And that's true whether the couple is same-sex or whether they're heterosexual. In our state, as in most, the criteria for adoption is always what's in the best interest of the child.

Q: So is it in the best interest of the child to have gay parents?

A: I'm not sure that we have a positive answer to that. And until we absolutely could say it, then I'm always hesitant to change those institutions.

Q: Do you believe that you're born gay or you choose to be gay?

A: I don't honestly know. But the point is, people are who they want to be, and we should respect them for that. But when they want to change the institutions that've governed our society for all the years of recorded human history, then that's a serious change of culture that we don't just make readily or hurriedly.

Bill Richardson on Civil Rights : Jan 28, 2007
Let gay and lesbian servicemembers serve openly

Bill Richardson on Civil Rights : Jan 21, 2007
Voted for federal Defense of Marriage Act in 1996

Bill Richardson on Civil Rights : Jan 21, 2007
Added sexual orientation & gender identity as NM civil right

• He signed legislation expanding New Mexico civil rights laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity (which only 3 other states included).
• He signed a hate crimes law that included actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.
• He signed an executive order in 2003 extending health insurance and other benefits to the same-sex domestic partners of NM state employees.
• He's on record backing full-fledged civil unions and opposes state-level constitutional amendments banning gays from marrying.
• While in Congress, Richardson backed military service for out gay men and lesbians. That means he was anti-Don't Ask, Don't Tell when it was very uncool to be. Click for Bill Richardson on other issues.   Source: CitizenChris blog on TypePad.com

  Bill Richardson on Civil Rights : Jan 21, 2007
  Defeated DOMA in NM by tying it to civil union legislation

  Richardson's negotiation savvy [served him well on] the difficult issue of marriage equality for same-sex couples. Richardson opposes gay marriage, but when the New Mexico legislature began pushing a "Defense of Marriage Act" in 2005, Richardson said he would veto it unless the DOMA was enacted alongside civil union legislation. Richardson's position wasn't just expedient, it was fairly principled and would satisfy any but those with a gay marriage litmus test. The DOMA effort failed. Click for Bill Richardson on other issues.   Source: CitizenChris blog on TypePad.com

  Rudy Giuliani on Civil Rights : Jan 1, 2007
  Opposed Pres. Bush's ban on gay marriage

  On Gay Marriage: In 2004 Giuliani came out against President's Bush's call for a ban against gay marriage stating he could "not support a ban at this time. Some of us remember that when Giuliani separated from his wife he took up residence with friends of his, a couple --- two men. Click for Rudy Giuliani on other issues.   Source: RSLevinson.com "All Things Queer", review of 2008 gay issues

  Mitt Romney on Abortion : Dec 22, 2006
  Now firmly pro-life, despite 2002 tolerance for abortion

  In New Hampshire on Thursday, he deflected conservative concerns about his record on gay marriage and abortion. He said he now describes himself as "firmly pro-life," despite citing his tolerance for abortion rights during his 2002 gubernatorial campaign, after researching the embryonic stem cell issue. Click for Mitt Romney on other issues.   Source: CNN.com, "Inside Politics"

  Hillary Clinton on Civil Rights : Oct 11, 2006
  Federal Marriage Amendment would be terrible step backwards

  Senator Clinton voted against a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, but she has avoided making statements on the issue. When a reporter pressed her, she instead assailed the amendment as part of the "political machine of the White House & then GOP majority."

  Hillary has remained so tight-lipped about her feelings on gay marriage that homosexual groups have threatened to stop funding her.

  Hillary's awkward stance on this issue reflects a need to please her liberal base while not turning off conservative voters. When she does address the issue, she said she opposed gay marriage, supported some form of civil unions, but was against the Federal Marriage Amendment to the Constitution.

  "I think it would be a terrible step backwards. It would be the first time we've amended the Constitution to deny rights to people."

  When she talks to conservatives, Hillary says she personally opposed gay marriage, pointing to her support for the Defense of Marriage act.

  Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy, by Amanda Carpenter, p. 84-87

  Barack Obama on Families & Children : Oct 1, 2006
  Listening to evangelicals bridges major political fault line

  Today, white evangelical Christians are the heart and soul of the Republican Party's grassroots base. It is their issues-abortion, gay marriage, prayer in schools, intelligent design, Terri Schiavo, the posting of the Ten Commandments in the courthouse, home schooling, voucher plans, and the makeup of the Supreme Court-that often dominate the headlines and serve as one of the major fault lines in American politics. The single biggest gap in party affiliation is between those who attend church regularly and those who don't. Democrats, meanwhile, are scrambling to "get religion," even as a core segment of our constituency remains stubbornly secular, and fears that the agenda of an assertively Christian nation may not make room for them or their life choices.

  The evangelists' success points to a hunger for the product they are selling, a hunger that goes beyond any particular issue or cause. They need an assurance that somebody out there cares about them, is listening to them.

  Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama, p.201-2

  Barack Obama on Civil Rights : Oct 1, 2006
  Opposes gay marriage; supports civil union & gay equality

  For many practicing Christians, the inability to compromise may apply to gay marriage. I find such a position troublesome, particularly in a society in which Christian men and women have been known to engage in adultery or other violations of their faith without civil penalty. I believe that American society can choose to carve out a special place for the union of a man and a woman as the unit of child rearing most common to every culture. I am not willing to have the state deny American citizens a civil union that confers equivalent rights no such basic matters as hospital visitation or health insurance coverage simlpy because the people they love are of the same sex--nor am I willing to accept a readingof the Bible that considers an obscure line in Romans to be more defining of Christianity than the Sermon on the Mount.

  The heightened focus on marriage is a distraction from other, attainable measures to prevent discrimination and gays and lesbians.

  Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama, p.222-3

  Rudy Giuliani on Civil Rights : Jul 14, 2006
  Pro gay rights

  Rudy Guiliani said that he is "seriously considering" a presidential run. Those who think that the 9/11 hero would be a formidable candidate are forgetting about the 9/10 Rudy. Meaning, this is a guy who is pro-choice on abortion, pro-gay rights and moved in with a gay couple after a messy breakup with his wife that came as he was dating another woman. Click for Rudy Giuliani on other issues.   Source: 2008 Speculation by Howard Kurtz in Washington Post

  Mitt Romney on Civil Rights : Nov 19, 2005
  Put gay marriage ban into GOP party platform

  Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey endorsed a proposed gay-marriage ban, but said the state Republican Party should not change its platform to call for a ban because Republicans are split on the issue.

  Currently, the state party platform does not mention same-sex marriage or voter initiatives. By contrast, the Republican National Committee platform supports President Bush's call for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

  Romney suggested that the GOP put language in the platform endorsing a voter referendum on certain issues [like gay marriage].

  The state Democratic Party has voted to endorse gay marriage in its platform. The national Democratic Party does not go that far, but calls for equal benefits for gay couples and condemns a nationwide constitutional ban on gay marriage

  Click for Mitt Romney on other issues.   Source: Stephanie Ebbert, Boston Globe

  Hillary Clinton on Abortion : Oct 11, 2005
  Voted liberal line on partial birth & harm to fetus

  Hillary's votes all echo the liberal line in the Senate
  • She opposed the ban on partial birth abortions
  • She came down against criminalizing harm to a fetus during an attack on the mother
  • She opposed a travel ban to Cuba
  • She opposed a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage
  • She backed extending the ban on assault rifles for 10 years
  • She was against Bush's tax cuts
  • She opposed repealing the estate tax
  • She opposed limits on class action lawsuits.
  Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Condi vs. Hillary, by Dick Morris, p. 85-86

  Barack Obama on Civil Rights : Oct 26, 2004
  Marriage not a human right; non-discrimination is

  Q: Do you think marriage is a human right?

  A: I don't think marriage is a civil right, but I think that not being discriminated against is a civil right. I think making sure that we don't engage in the sort of gay-bashing that, I think, has unfortunately dominated this campaign-not just here in Illinois, but across the country-is unfortunate, and that kind of mean-spirited attacks on homosexuals is something that the people of Illinois generally have rejected.

  Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: IL Senate Debate

  John Edwards on Principles & Values : Oct 5, 2004
  We shouldn't use the Constitution to divide the country

  I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, and so does John Kerry. I also believe that there should be partnership benefits for gay and lesbian couples in long-term, committed relationships. But we should not use the Constitution to divide this country. No state for the last 200 years has ever had to recognize another state's marriage. This is using the Constitution as a political tool, and it's wrong. Click for John Edwards on other issues.   Source: Edwards-Cheney debate: 2004 Vice Presidential

  John Edwards on Civil Rights : Oct 5, 2004
  Allow gay couples to visit each other in the hospital

  Q: Both you and Senator Kerry say you oppose gay marriage. Are you trying to have it both ways?

  A: We both believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. But we also believe that gay and lesbians and gay and lesbian couples, those who have been in long-term relationships, deserve to be treated respectfully, they deserve to have benefits. For example, a gay couple now has a very difficult time, one, visiting the other when they're in the hospital, or, for example, if, heaven forbid, one of them were to pass away, they have trouble even arranging the funeral.

  I mean, those are not the kind of things that Kerry and I believe in. But we do believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Bush is proposing a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage that is completely unnecessary. Under the law of this country for the last 200 years, no state has been required to recognize another state's marriage. North Carolina would not be required to recognize a marriage from Massachusetts.

  Click for John Edwards on other issues.   Source: Edwards-Cheney debate: 2004 Vice Presidential

  Barack Obama on Principles & Values : Jul 29, 2004
  We are one people all defending the United States of America

  The pundits like to slice and dice our country into red states and blue states. But I've got news for them. We worship an awesome God in the blue states, and we don't like federal agents poking around our libraries in the red states. We coach Little League in the blue states and have gay friends in the red states. There're patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and patriots who supported it. We are one people, all pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all defending the United States of America Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Keynote speech to the Democratic National Convention

  John Edwards on Government Reform : Mar 3, 2004
  Supports public financing of elections

  I support a ban on contributions by federal lobbyists to federal officials, public financing of elections, and other measures to reduce the influence of special interests in Washington. I strongly supported the McCain-Feingold bill. I believe in equal rights and dignity for gay and lesbian Americans. Click for John Edwards on other issues.   Source: 2004 Presidential National Political Awareness Test

  John Edwards on Civil Rights : Feb 26, 2004
  Opposes DOMA because states already can ignore gay marriages

  Q: You oppose gay marriage?

  EDWARDS: I do. But I believe that this is an issue that ought to be decided in the states. I think the federal government should honor whatever decision is made by the states. I would not support the Defense of Marriage Act today, if there were a vote today.

  Q: You would not vote for it?

  EDWARDS: I would not. I would not for a very simple reason. There's a part of it that I agree with, and there's a part of it I disagree with. The Defense of Marriage Act specifically said that the federal government is not required to recognize gay marriage even if a state chooses to do so. I disagree with that. I think states should be allowed to make that decision. And the federal government shouldn't do it. The part I agree with is the states should not be required to recognize marriages from other states. That's already in the law, by the way, without DOMA. The law today does not require one state to recognize the marriage of another state.

  Click for John Edwards on other issues.   Source: Democratic 2004 primary debate at USC

  John Edwards on Civil Rights : Jan 29, 2004
  Enormous strides for gays and lesbians without gay marriage

  Q: How is your stance on gay marriage moving the country forward on gay rights?

  A: There are a whole group of issues on which we can move the country forward. For example, the recognition of partnership benefits, changing our immigration and adoption laws, so that they provide equality to gay and lesbian couples, a re-examination of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy with our military leadership. There are fundamental things that we still haven't done.

  Click for John Edwards on other issues.   Source: Democratic 2004 primary Debate in Greenville SC

  John Edwards on Civil Rights : Jan 22, 2004
  Let each state decide about civil unions and gay marriage

  Q: President Bush said in the State of the Union address that the Defense of Marriage Act is not strong enough to protect the institution of marriage. Would you have voted against it in 1996?

  EDWARDS: Yes, because what happened with the Defense of Marriage Act is it took away the power of states, like Vermont, to be able to do what they chose to do about civil unions, about these kinds of marriage issues. Massachusetts has just made a decision that embraces the notion of gay marriage. I think these are decisions that the states should have the power to make. And the Defense of Marriage Act would have taken away that power. And I think that's wrong. That power should not be taken away from the states.

  Q: Should other states be obliged to honor and recognize the civil union which Governor Dean signed?

  EDWARDS: I think it's a decision that should be made on a state-by-state basis. I think each state should be able to make its own decision about what they embrace.

  Click for John Edwards on other issues.   Source: Democratic 2004 Primary Debate at St. Anselm College

  John Edwards on Principles & Values : Dec 26, 2003
  Democrats should address values of `guns, God, and gays'

  Edwards criticized Howard Dean for advocating a strategy of winning votes in the South by forcing the debate beyond "guns, God and gays." Dean has argued that Democrats lose in the South because the debate often centers on controversial social issues, such as gay rights, rather than economic issues. Edwards began attacking Dean earlier this month for seeking to "duck the values debate," which Edwards said is important to Southern voters. "Some in my party want to duck the values debate," Edwards said in a recent speech. "They want to say to America, `We're not interested in your values; we want to change the subject to anything else.' That's wrong," he said. "You can't tell voters what to believe or what to vote on. Where I come from, voters are looking for answers, not attitude."

  Although Edwards has expressed strong support for gay civil rights issues, his latest comments could be seen as a coded message, distancing himself from gay rights as the campaign approaches the Southern primaries.

  Click for John Edwards on other issues.   Source: Lou Chibbaro Jr., SouthernVoice.com

  Dennis Kucinich on Civil Rights : Nov 5, 2003
  Allow gays and lesbians to marry

  Q: What is your position on gay rights?

  A: I would help to create a culture in America so that people could be whoever they are, because if America is about anything, it has to be about a chance for people to live out their dream and to express their own authenticity. And so, gays, lesbians, bisexual, transgender people under my administration would have full participation, and they would also have the right to marry.

  Click for Dennis Kucinich on other issues.   Source: CNN "Rock The Vote" Democratic Debate

  Dennis Kucinich on Civil Rights : Aug 1, 2003
  Same sex couples deserve equal domestic benefits

  Same sex couples and opposite sex couples should be equal in the eyes of the law. All benefits and legal entitlements available to heterosexual couples should be available to homosexual couples. Kucinich supports domestic partner benefits to same-sex partners of employees, such as health insurance coverage and hospital visitation rights. Click for Dennis Kucinich on other issues.   Source: Campaign website, www.Kucinich.us, "On The Issues"

  John Edwards on Civil Rights : May 3, 2003
  Governments don't belong in bedrooms, including gay bedrooms

  Q: Here in South Carolina, it's a felony for two gay men to have sex in their own home. Do you support that law? Or is there a fundamental right to privacy that protects that right?

  EDWARDS: I believe there is a fundamental right to privacy. I do not believe the government belongs in people's bedrooms. I think that applies to both gay and lesbian couples and heterosexual couples.

  MOSELEY-BRAUN: I absolutely agree that gay-lesbian, transgender and bisexual people are entitled to privacy as everybody else.

  LIEBERMAN: I don't [support that law]. In fact, the law relates not only to gay couples, but to heterosexual couples as well, and it's a violation of the right of privacy. There is a case right now before the Supreme Court regarding a similar Texas law. I hope and believe it'll be struck down because Lord knows the prosecutors have more important things to do than prosecute cases like this. They ought to be prosecuting drug peddlers and criminals and all the rest.

  Click for John Edwards on other issues.   Source: [X-ref to Lieberman] Democratic Debate in Columbia SC

  Mitt Romney on Civil Rights : Sep 17, 2002
  Supports benefits for gay partners, but not gay marriage

  All citizens deserve equal rights, regardless of their sexual orientation. While he does not support gay marriage, Mitt Romney believes domestic partnership status should be recognized in a way that includes the potential for health benefits and rights of survivorship. Click for Mitt Romney on other issues.   Source: Campaign web site, www.romney2002.com, "Issues"

  Al Gore on Civil Rights : Oct 11, 2000
  Find some way for civic union; but not gay marriage

  Q: What is your position on gay marriage?

  BUSH: I’m not for gay marriage. I think marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman. I appreciated the way the administration signed the Defense of Marriage Act. I presume the vice president supported it.

  GORE: I agree with that, and I did support that law. But I think that we should find a way to allow some kind of civic unions. And I basically agree with Dick Cheney and Joe Lieberman, and I think the three of us have one view and the governor has another view.

  BUSH: I’m not sure what kind of view he’s ascribing to me. One day he says he agrees with me, then he says he doesn’t. I will be a tolerant person. I’ve been a tolerant person all my life. I just happen to believe strongly that marriage is between a man and a woman. I don’t really think it’s any of my concern how you conduct your sex life. That’s a private matter. I support equal rights but not special rights for people.

  Click for Al Gore on other issues.   Source: (X-ref Bush) Presidential Debate at Wake Forest University

  Al Gore on Civil Rights : Sep 27, 2000
  Supports Vermont’s Civil Union law

  On gay rights, Gore said he strongly favors ending discrimination against gays and lesbians. “I just think we’ve come to the point in our nation’s history where it’s time to take that step. It’s indefensible. Let’s just leave people alone and stop discriminating against them because of who they fall in love with.” He said he supported civil unions like those recently approved in Vermont. Click for Al Gore on other issues.   Source: Kevin Sack, NY Times

  John McCain on Principles & Values : Feb 15, 2000
  The GOP should be inclusive

  Q: Would you meet with a group if you disagree with its values? A: I met with the Log Cabin Republicans. I disagree with them on gay marriages, on the “don’t ask/don’t tell,” on a broad variety of issues. But I agree with them on a stronger defense, lower taxes, less regulation. And I, as president of the United States, and I as the nominee of my party, will meet with-and not necessarily agree with-everyone in the Republican Party. Click for John McCain on other issues.   Source: GOP Debate on the Larry King Show

  Hillary Clinton on Civil Rights : Feb 11, 2000
  Gays deserve domestic partnership benefits

  We ought to be providing domestic partnership benefits for people who are in homosexual and lesbian relationships. Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: CNN.com

  John McCain on Homeland Security : Jan 7, 2000
  Accepts gays in military under current policy

  KEYES [to McCain]: I have signed the following pledge: In the interest of national security and the morale of our armed forces, if elected president of the US I pledge to reinstitute the ban on homosexuals serving in our nation’s military. Would you join me, sir, in signing that pledge?

  McCAIN: No, I will not. [I agree when] military leaders that you and I respect say that this policy is a good one. I will support the present policy.

  Click for John McCain on other issues.   Source: Republican Debate in West Columbia, SC

  John McCain on Civil Rights : Dec 21, 1999
  Would be “comfortable” with a gay president

  John McCain said in a telephone interview with Reuters over the weekend that he would be “comfortable with a homosexual as president of the United States.” Click for John McCain on other issues.   Source: Buchanan Interview on “Equal Time”

  Newt Gingrich on Principles & Values : Jul 2, 1998
  Baby Boomers becoming Republicans while Dems become outdated

  Republicans are riding a wave of generational change. Baby boomers and their children are growing more conservative & critical of government failure to deliver services to a standard comparable to those of the private sector. On their side, the Democrats are being dragged downhill by a combination of their industrial-age institutions, such as the labor unions, government bureaucrats, & trial lawyers, and their ideological base groups, such as radical feminists, homosexual activists, & race politicians. These all keep the Democratic Party committed to policies & institutions that often violate the public's sense of decency & that cannot meet their demands for a dollar's worth of government services for a dollar of taxes.

  Most of these trends are barel noted in the media while they are happening, with the result that the view of the world that dominates in Washington and New York and Cambridge Mass, is almost 180 degrees different from the view of the world of everyday practical political leaders.

  Click for Newt Gingrich on other issues.   Source: Lessons Learned the Hard Way, by Newt Gingrich, p. 78-79

  Rudy Giuliani on Civil Rights : May 13, 1998
  Extended all city benefits to same-sex couples

  National Republicans can lump it if they don't like his new domestic-partners bill, Mayor Giuliani said yesterday. "I really haven't thought about what the impact is on Republican politics or national politics or Democratic politics," Giuliani said. The bill he submitted to the City Council would extend the benefits city agencies must grant to gay and lesbian couples. "I'm proud of it," Giuliani said of the bill. "I think it puts New York City ahead of other places in the country." Click for Rudy Giuliani on other issues.   Source: New York Daily News, reprinted in 3/25/05 NY Observer

  Rudy Giuliani on Education : Apr 8, 1989
  Opposes prayer in school

  When the Liberal Party reviewed a list of key social issues of deep concern to progressive New Yorkers, we found that Giuliani agreed with the Liberal Party's stance on a majority of such issues. He agreed with the Liberal Party's views on affirmative action, gay rights, gun control, school prayer & tuition tax credits.

  Those who are trying to destroy our liberal principles insist that an America without prayer in school is a "Godless nation".
  -- Liberal Party Platform (2006)

  Click for Rudy Giuliani on other issues.   Source: NY Liberal Party Endorsement, in 3/25/05 NY Observer

  Rudy Giuliani on Civil Rights : Apr 8, 1989
  Supports affirmative action

  Some ask, How can the Liberal Party support a candidate who disagrees with the Liberal Party position on so many gut issues? But when the Liberal Party Policy Committee reviewed a list of key social issues of deep concern to progressive New Yorkers, we found that Rudy Giuliani agreed with the Liberal Party's stance on a majority of such issues. He agreed with the Liberal Party's views on affirmative action, gay rights, gun control, school prayer and tuition tax credits.

  Click for Rudy Giuliani on other issues.   Source: NY Liberal Party Endorsement, in 3/25/05 NY Observer

  Mike Gravel on Crime : Jan 1, 1972
  Stop punishment for victimless crimes: drugs, sex & gambling

  Because so much crime is the product of people who were in prison, an obvious means of reducing crime is to drastically reduce our prison population. That can be done, at no danger to society, almost overnight. How? By eliminating a whole host of common social activities from the law's list of "crimes."

  Common activities for which we now punish people--so-called "victimless-crimes" because they affect no one but the participant--include drinking, prostitution, gambling, homosexuality, & use of certain drugs. What is the point of jailing people for these practices? What more towering hypocrisy, what more potent breeder of total disrespect for the law can there be than these "crimes," which are practiced by millions of citizens, but for which only a few are singled out for punishment?

  Victimless crimes are a peril to our health only in so far as they are classified as crimes. Some 51% of criminal arrests in 1970 were for victimless crimes. We could very nearly empty our jails by abolishing them.

  Click for Mike Gravel on other issues.   Source: Citizen Power, by Sen. Mike Gravel, p.214-215

  Additional quotations related to Gay Rights issues can be found under Civil Rights. Click here for definitions & background information on Civil Rights. Click here for policy papers on Civil Rights. Agree? Disagree? Click here to express your views in The Forum.
  Candidates on Civil Rights:
  Republican Possibilities: Chmn.John Cox Mayor Rudy Giuliani Gov.Mike Huckabee Rep.Duncan Hunter Amb.Alan Keyes Sen.John McCain Rep.Ron Paul Gov.Mitt Romney Sen.Fred Thompson	Democratic Possibilities: Sen.Joe Biden Sen.Hillary Clinton Sen.Chris Dodd Sen.John Edwards Sen.Mike Gravel Rep.Dennis Kucinich Sen.Barack Obama Gov.Bill Richardson	Green Party Possibilities: Rep.Cynthia McKinney
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