Charlie Crist on Civil Rights

Republican

Opposed gay adoption; then praised Court overturning ban

Meek pointed out that Crist has changed his position on several issues, including once being against allowing gay couples to adopt children and later praising a legal decision that said Florida's ban is unconstitutional.

"Charlie Crist stands on a wet paper box," Meek said. "You don't know where he is."

Rubio said neither Crist nor Meek would oppose the Obama administration.

Source: Associated Press coverage of 2010 Florida Senate Debate , Oct 6, 2010

Lifetime member of NAACP

He has appointed judges whom many Republicans deem liberal, and his support for restoring voting rights to ex-felons is hardly a Republican hobbyhorse. He boasts of being a "life member" of the N.A.A.C.P., and one black legislator called Crist the state's "first black governor." Source: New York Times on 2010 Florida Senate debate , Jan 10, 2010

Uphold Florida’s Defense of Marriage Act

Charlie strongly supports Second Amendment rights and advocates policies that strengthen Florida families, including fighting to uphold Florida’s Defense of Marriage Act. Source: 2006 Senate campaign website, www.charliecrist.com, “Issues” , Nov 7, 2006

Provide compensation to victims of racial discrimination

As the first elected Republican Attorney General of Florida, he fought for and obtained passage of new Civil Rights legislation to ensure that all Floridians are treated fairly. The first case brought under this law was settled in August 2005, providing compensation to victims of racial discrimination. Source: 2006 Senate campaign website, www.charliecrist.com, “Issues” , Nov 7, 2006

Discontinue affirmative action programs

The federal government should discontinue affirmative action programs.
The federal government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the public sector.
The federal government should prosecute cases of discrimination in the private sector.

Source: Congressional 1998 National Political Awareness Test , Nov 1, 1998

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Page last updated: Nov 21, 2011