Business Insider GOP primary debate: on Civil Rights

Bill Weld: Created Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth

On LGBTQ rights:
• Weld supported an amicus brief that petitioned to overturn California's law that outlawed same-sex marriage.
• Weld created the Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth.
• He was supportive of allowing transgender individuals access to bathrooms of their choice.
• GLAAD's CEO said: "Gov. Weld represents what is needed & has been missing within the Republican Party: a campaign message about acceptance for all marginalized communities, including LGBTQ people."

Joe Walsh: Same-sex marriage is law of the land, but give it time

Walsh: Look, same sex marriage is the law of the land. And how are we going to get Republican voters to eventually embrace it? It's going to take time. And we have to let time play itself out. I think the answer for most Republican voters eventually is the family--over the next number of years, seeing same sex couples parent their kids. Republican voters & conservatives that I've spoken to for years on the radio value the family more than anything. I think as the years go by and they see that loving children can be raised by same sex parents--this is one of those issues that will eventually move Republican opinion.

Q: What about GLAAD's report?

Walsh: I disagree with that vehemently. I use the power of my public profile to go at the issue and talk about the issue and try to find common ground on the issue.

Joe Walsh: LGBTQ activists are "constitutional terrorists"

On LGBTQ rights:
• Walsh said he is a strong supporter of " traditional marriage" and believes "a marriage can only exist between one man & one woman."
• While in Congress, Walsh voted to prevent federal funds from being used in ways that would counteract the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
• Walsh has called LGBTQ activists "constitutional terrorists" and once said that a "transgender 'man' is a woman."
• He also said Christian vendors should be allowed to turn away LGBTQ customers.