Howard Mills on Civil Rights
Supports equal rights minus the use of marriage for gays
Q: Would you support or oppose a ban on same-sex marriages? And why?A: I do support the federal Defense of Marriage Act. I do believe that marriage is between a man and a woman and that it should be kept that way. And I would fight to keep it that way
It is a critical cultural, religious concept in our society. I do support civil unions, and I do support equal rights minus the use of marriage for same-sex couples.
This is an issue that really highlights why I am being criticized by some in this campaign. I do agree that the Defense of Marriage Act was good legislation. I would support it. Marriage is between a man and a woman.
And I will do everything that I can as a US senator to keep the law that way. But we do have to express tolerance and support for same-sex couples as well.
Source: 2004 NY Senate Debate, excerpted in NY Times
Oct 17, 2004
Supports national gay civil unions law
Mills says he wants Federal legislation mandating a national gay civil unions law. It would impose gay civil unions on all 50 states. He told the newspaper this is a good idea because state laws might differ otherwise.
Source: Dr. Marilyn O'Grady's Acceptance Speech
Jun 5, 2004
Reduce regulations on private sector
Indicate which principles you support concerning employment and Affirmative Action Issues- Reduce state government regulations on the private sector to encourage investment and economic expansion.
Source: 2000 New York State Legislative NPAT
Jul 2, 2000
Include sexual orientation in discrimination & hate crimes
Q: Should New York include sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination laws?A: Yes.
Q: Require that crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability be prosecuted as hate crimes?
A: Yes.
Source: 2000 New York State Legislative NPAT
Jul 2, 2000
Restrict marriage to one man and one woman
Q: Should New York restrict marriage to a relationship only between a man and a woman?A: Yes.
Source: 2000 New York State Legislative NPAT
Jul 2, 2000