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Tom Corbett on Civil Rights
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OpEd: Corbett knew federal LGBT laws; OK to change mind
I don't want to call Gov. Tom Corbett a liar. So let's just say that he strained credulity with his explanation for why he suddenly came out in favor of an anti-discrimination law to protect gays and lesbians. Corbett, who has previously staked out
conservative positions on social issues, said he was "coming out in support" of the bill after learning that federal law does not cover discrimination.Corbett, remember, was Pennsylvania's attorney general. Twice. The attorney general's job is to be
the chief law enforcement officer in the state. That means a general understanding of federal law, because sometimes state & federal laws overlap; sometimes they don't. And during Corbett's time as attorney general, there were two major pieces of federal
legislation in force regarding gay rights: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the Defense of Marriage Act.
It would be nice if a politician more often just told us: "I changed my mind." A willingness to bend to new evidence might be a bold show of leadership.
Source: Philadephia Magazine AdWatch 2014 Pennsylvania Governor race
, Dec 20, 2013
Supports anti-LGBT-discrimination bill, but not gay marriage
For more than a decade, bills that would make it illegal to discriminate against gay, lesbian and transgender citizens in the workplace, housing and other aspects of Pennsylvania society have languished in the Legislature. But the most recent adaptation
of the bipartisan anti-discrimination bills got a boost of support from a seemingly unlikely conservative source: Gov. Tom Corbett."If that bill comes to my desk, I'll sign it," Corbett said; he decided to support the bills after recently learning
federal laws do not protect Pennsylvania's LGBT community from discrimination. "In the last few months in discussions it was made clear to me the federal law did not cover them," said Corbett.
"It doesn't change my position on the issue of marriage or
Pennsylvania's law on that," Corbett said. "But when it comes to discrimination in the workplace and employment and housing and other accommodations, I don't think there should be discrimination."
Source: The Morning Call on 2014 Pennsylvania Governor race
, Dec 18, 2013
Apologies for comparing gay marriage to incest
The public should not be surprised by Corbett's support of the bills outlawing discrimination based on sexual preference, said a Corbett strategist. Corbett does not tolerate discrimination, said the strategist, citing how the governor forced
Richard Allen out of his role as secretary of the Conservation and Natural Resources Department for using a racial reference in an email to his wife, also a state employee. "He has never tolerated any form of discrimination or insensitivity," said the
strategist. In October, Corbett issued public apologies after comparing gay marriage to a union between brother and sister during a television interview.
Now Corbett is looking for middle ground by taking a public stance in support of the bills and holding the line on the gay marriage ban, said another pundit.
Source: The Morning Call on 2014 Pennsylvania Governor race
, Dec 18, 2013
Define marriage as between a man and a woman
Q: What are Tom Corbett's views on same sex marriage?A: Tom Corbett supports the Pennsylvania Marriage Amendment
Act, which defines marriage as that between a man and a woman.
Source: Campaign website, tomcorbettforgovernor.com, "FAQ"
, Nov 2, 2010
Page last updated: Jul 27, 2017