Kamala Harris on Civil Rights : Sep 9, 2024
Will fight to pass the Equality Act for LGBTQI+ Americans

Tim Walz on Civil Rights : Aug 6, 2024
Added religious-liberty protections to human-rights statutes

[A Republican] state lawmaker was critical of Walz for failing to criticize 2023 state legislation that sought to give people identifying as transgender protected status without guaranteeing religious-liberty exemptions.

This year, Walz approved new legislation that added religious-liberty protections to Minnesota's human-rights statutes, a measure that was strongly supported by the state's Catholic bishops.

JD Vance on Jobs : Aug 2, 2024
Protecting transgender workers betrays traditionalists

Senator J.D. Vance lashed out at the 'conservative legal movement' after the Supreme Court ruled that gay and transgender employees should be protected from job discrimination. "The conservative legal movement has accomplished two things: libertarian political economy [enforced by judges] and betrayal of social conservatives and traditionalists,' Vance tweeted." [Washington Examiner, 6/15/20]

JD Vance on Families & Children : Jul 16, 2024
I'll stop saying "groomers" when they stop sexualizing kids

GLAAD wrote in its post about Vance's record: "There is no evidence that discussing LGBTQ people 'sexualizes' anyone. Experts say false rhetoric about grooming diminishes understanding about actual abuse."

Vance also spoke about bills that would censor discussions of LGBTQ issues on Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight" in April 2022, arguing that teachers were also hiding their efforts to teach children about sexual orientation or gender identity. "So, one of the things we're learning, Tucker, is that this is being forced by some of these really radical teachers, and they're hiding it from the parents," he said. "'That's maybe the most pernicious part."

Francis Suarez on Civil Rights : Jan 22, 2024
Country should be pro-equal rights for LGBTQ community

Jill Stein on Civil Rights : Dec 18, 2023
Ensure rights and freedoms for all marginalized groups

Joe Biden on Civil Rights : Sep 19, 2023
Rights for women and minorities part of our shared humanity

Chase Oliver on Civil Rights : Aug 22, 2023
Don't tell LGBTQ people who to be or how to live

"We have stood for self-expression and self-ownership and autonomy since our founding in 1971--just two years after Stonewall," Oliver said of the Libertarian Party. "It took Democrats decades to catch up because they had to wait until it was politically popular. If there's one thing I know about LGBTQ people it's that we like to go our own way and not be told who to be or how to live."

And Oliver might be right--enthusiasm for the lead candidates in the Democratic and Republican primary races, Biden and former President Donald Trump, respectively, is not great.

Chase Oliver on Education : Aug 22, 2023
Let schools & parents decide on LGBTQ books in libraries

"I'm somebody who wants to have inclusive education that focuses on critical thinking and age-appropriate curriculum, and I think we can certainly have that while being inclusive to LGBTQ people and families," he said. "Personally I think it's important to acknowledge LGBTQ people exist. I believe personally, in my personal opinion, that should fall under the role of education--but as a candidate for president, ultimately parents and students should decide where to send their education dollars."

When it comes to books about LGBTQ people or with LGBTQ themes being allowed in school libraries, Oliver said that's a decision best left to the schools and parents themselves. Competition from private schools may cause public schools to reassess.

Cornel West on Civil Rights : Aug 7, 2023
Secure the rights of LGBTQ+ and Trans-Peoples

Will Hurd on Civil Rights : Jul 2, 2023
Use diversity to solve the major problems that we're facing

Marianne Williamson on Civil Rights : Jun 6, 2023
Denial of LGBTQ rights is a stain on our national character

Marianne Williamson on Civil Rights : May 15, 2023
Declare transgender murder/suicide a national emergency

President Biden has voiced support for transgender rights, but has faced some scrutiny from LGBTQ+ advocates over his plan for transgender athletes in high school sports.

Williamson has called for more protections for the LGBTQ+ community, including for transgender individuals. She supports declaring transgender murder and suicide rates a national emergency, legislation requiring police departments to "ensure fairer interactions with transgender people," and implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive public education, according to her campaign site.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., however, has broken from most Democrats on one key issue surrounding transgender rights, saying that he is "against people participating in women's sports who are biologically male."

Joe Biden on Civil Rights : Apr 30, 2023
Dangerous to question LGBT rights and contraceptive rights

JOE BIDEN: Justice Thomas' said as much today. He explicitly called to reconsider the right of marriage quality, the right of couples to make their choices on contraception. This is an extreme and dangerous path the court is now taking us on.

FACT-CHECK: Justice Thomas frequently writes concurring opinions that talk about other theories that maybe he's the only one on the court to hold. The opinion [on Dobbs] is clearly limited to abortion and it's also clear that while Justice Thomas is willing to consider rethinking substantive due process, Justice Thomas believes in the "privileges & immunity clause" [due process before abridging rights] which other justices don't follow.

Ron DeSantis on Education : Mar 27, 2023
Expands school choice program; ends financial requirements

ACLU-FL in opposition: Defunds our public schools and diverts billions of public taxpayer dollars to mostly private Christian religious schools that lack standards of accountability and have a history of discriminating against LGBTQ+ students, students of minority religions, and students with disabilities.

Governor's P.R. in favor 3/27: Florida is number one when it comes to education freedom and education choice, and today's bill signing represents the largest expansion of education choice in the history of the US. When you combine private scholarships, charter schools, and district choice programs, Florida already has 1.3 million students attending a school of their choosing.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 83-27-9 on Mar/17/23; passed Senate 26-12-2 on Mar/23/23; signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Mar/27/23.

Chase Oliver on Families & Children : Oct 18, 2022
Support LGBTQ kids; stop demonizing LGBTQ people

A: I support the Equality Act. But at the end of the day, what we need to be doing is to stop demonizing LGBTQ people. I hear from folks like [GOP Senate nominee] Herschel Walker about how terrible LGBTQ people are; about how they're destroying our children. The fact is, I was a gay child at one time, and I was thankful that I had supportive teachers & supportive people in my life that could help me as I was growing up. I don't want to do away with that. But the reality is that we have far too many people looking to demonize LGBTQ people and I am not one who's going to stand for that. I support the Equality Act but the best way for me to be a good representative as an LGBTQ person is to get up, do the work, and just be like everybody else. Because that's what LGBTQ people are--we just love different people. There's nothing inherently wrong with us.

Joe Biden on Civil Rights : Apr 28, 2021
To all transgender Americans: your president has your back

Joe Biden on Homeland Security : Mar 31, 2021
Kept promise to allow transgendered to serve in military

PROMISE KEPT: (Military Times, 3/31/21): The Pentagon swept away Trump-era policies that largely banned transgender people from serving in the military, issuing new rules that offer them wider access to medical care and assistance with gender transition. The new department regulations allow transgender people who meet military standards to enlist and serve openly in their self-identified gender, and they will be able to get medically necessary transition-related care authorized by law.

Joe Biden on Civil Rights : Feb 4, 2021
Reverse ban on transgender individuals serving in military

And finally, to successfully reassert our diplomacy and keep Americans safe, prosperous, and free, we must restore the health and morale of our foreign policy institutions.

The United States will again lead not just by the example of our power but the power of our example. Within hours of taking office, I signed an executive order overturning the hateful, discriminatory Muslim ban; reversed the ban on transgender individuals serving in our military.

Joe Biden on Foreign Policy : Feb 4, 2021
Promote LGBTQI+ rights worldwide via State Department

PROMISE KEPT: (Executive Memo on LGBTQI, 2.4/21): I am directing all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons. The Department of State shall lead a standing group, with appropriate interagency representation, to help ensure the Federal Government's swift and meaningful response to serious incidents that threaten the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons abroad.

OnTheIssues ANALYSIS: Biden has fulfilled this promise in general, but not for the specific promise of establishing a special office. We consider this a general fulfillment because Biden expanded on his promise from "LGBTQ" to "LGBTQI+"--adding "intersex persons"--Biden has consistently used the longer list in his public pronouncements.

Joe Biden on Civil Rights : Oct 15, 2020
LGBT rights are in jeopardy from Supreme Court

BIDEN: I think there's great reason to be concerned for the LGBT community, something I fought very hard for, for a long time to make sure there's equality across the board.

Chase Oliver on Civil Rights : Sep 21, 2020
Equal rights regardless of color; even black transgender

In the Podcast Q interview Oliver, a former Obama Democrat, also discusses becoming a Libertarian, protecting black transgender people, campaigning with masks and hand sanitizer, combatting HIV and breaking through to voters in the heavily Democratic district. "At the end of the day, [Libertarians] believe in criminal justice reform. We believe in limited government that is answerable to the people. And we believe that everyone regardless of color, creed sexual orientation, deserves equal inherent rights," Oliver said.

Joe Biden on Civil Rights : Oct 10, 2019
Pass Equality Act, enforce Civil Rights Act to protect LGBTQ

BIDEN: We have to pass the Equality Act. That's important because it would change a whole range of things. This is a civil rights issue, protected by the Civil Rights Act, and we should focus on how to enforce that. My Justice Department will do that. Lastly, I think that it's important we start early and educate the population.

Kamala Harris on Civil Rights : Oct 10, 2019
End unequal treatment under law by sexual orientation

HARRIS: How can we defend that our LGBTQ brothers and sisters are treated differently under the law when they walk into their place of work? I will fight for equality. We saw great success in terms of marriage. But there is still not full equality for members of the LGBTQ community, and that relates to housing, it relates to employment, it relates to education, and many other issues.

Joe Biden on Foreign Policy : Oct 10, 2019
US should promote LGBTQ rights worldwide; stop aid if needed

BIDEN: In my State Department, we will have a special office that's devoted directly to promoting LGBTQ rights around the world. I would curtail aid to countries that engage in that kind of behavior.

Q: Saudi Arabia?

BIDEN: Saudi Arabia, same thing.

Kamala Harris on Principles & Values : Oct 10, 2019
The power of a president's support will help LGBTQ youth

HARRIS: One of the most powerful tools in the hands of the president is that microphone she holds. The real strength of a leader is based not on who you beat down, it's based on who you lift up. We have to create a safe place for those youth to go, where they can be in a peer- based place, where they can talk about how they are experiencing the world in a way that nurtures and strengthens them.

Howie Hawkins on Civil Rights : May 28, 2019
Amend Civil Rights Act to include LGBTQIA+

Kamala Harris on Civil Rights : Apr 22, 2019
Ally of LGBTQ community; must end discrimination

Marianne Williamson on Civil Rights : Apr 14, 2019
Attacks on gay rights is attack on us all

Mike Pence on Principles & Values : Apr 9, 2019
No problem with gays; they just say so for publicity

"I hold Mayor Buttigieg in the highest personal regard," Pence told local station WSBT in June 2015. "We have a great working relationship," he said of Buttigieg. "I see him as a dedicated public servant and a patriot."

Pence's team is pointing back to those compliments this week in the wake of new comments from Buttigieg--now an openly gay candidate for president.

Pence's wife, Second Lady Karen Pence, addressed Buttigieg's remarks during a radio interview: "They've always had a great relationship," she said. "I don't think the vice president does have a problem with him, but I think it's helping Pete to get some notoriety by saying that about the vice president."

Marianne Williamson on Civil Rights : Apr 8, 2019
Expand LGBTQ rights to end discrimination

This is not only unacceptable; this is in direct violation of our founding principles.

Generation after generation, people have fought to rid our country of the "except for's." "Except for blacks," "except for women," and so forth. Today, we are challenged by the ongoing prejudice that seeks to repudiate the fundamental American dedication to freedom and equality for all. "Except for them" is a stain on our national character.

Dean Phillips on Civil Rights : Mar 13, 2019
Supports Equality Act and extraordinary LGBTQ community

"It's time to end the era of uncertainty and discrimination against our LGBTQ friends, neighbors and family members," said Phillips. "Our nation was built on the promise of equality and opportunity, and the Equality Act extends that promise to our extraordinary LGBTQ community. I'm proud to help introduce this long overdue legislation in the House today and will continue working hard to make sure the Equality Act is signed into law."

Amending existing civil rights law provides clarity and consistency for individuals who experience discrimination as well as for businesses and organizations trying to comply with the law. More than 160 corporations have endorsed the legislation.

Bernie Sanders on Civil Rights : Feb 19, 2019
1983: Approved "Gay Rights Day" in Burlington Vermont

Donald Trump on Civil Rights : Feb 19, 2019
Global campaign to end the criminalization of homosexuality

U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, the highest-profile openly gay person in the Trump administration, is leading the effort. The U.S. embassy is flying in LGBT activists from across Europe for a strategy dinner to plan to push for decriminalization in places that still outlaw homosexuality--mostly concentrated in the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean. "It is concerning that, in the 21st century, some 70 countries continue to have laws that criminalize LGBTI status or conduct," said a U.S. official involved in organizing the event.

Although the decriminalization strategy is still being hashed out, officials say it's likely to include working with global organizations like the United Nations and the European Union, as well as other countries whose laws already allow for gay rights.

Mike Pence on Civil Rights : Aug 28, 2018
OpEd: supports conversion therapy & anti-LGBTQ extremism

Nikki Haley on Civil Rights : Aug 3, 2017
No need for any new transgender bathroom law

Setting aside for the moment that North Carolina's HB2 compromise, HB142, is just more of the same anti-LGBTQ hatred with a slightly different name, it is important to note that South Carolina has so far killed any effort to see a similar bill come to pass in South Carolina.

Both former Governor Nikki Haley and current Governor Henry McMaster have said there is no need for such a law. Templeton said she thinks transgender people should use the bathrooms matching their birth gender, not their identity. She stopped short of calling for a law to be passed.

Mike Pence on Civil Rights : Jan 15, 2017
No place in our administration for LGBTQ discrimination

PENCE: Throughout the campaign, President Trump made it clear that discrimination would have no place in our administration. He was the very first Republican nominee to mention the LGBTQ community at our Republican National Convention and was applauded for it. And I was there applauding with him.

Mike Pence on Principles & Values : Jan 15, 2017
Repeal the Johnson Amendment: free speech from the pulpit

PENCE: This week [Trump] reiterated his commitment to repeal the Johnson Amendment, that's put a chilling effect on free speech in religious institutions around the country.

Q: Do think a new executive order is necessary on religious liberty?

PENCE: The Johnson amendment essentially threatens the tax-exempt status of churches and synagogues and religious institutions if they were seen to be involved in political expression. I don't think we'd have ever made it to these hallowed halls back in 1790 if the pulpits of this country had been silenced from speaking about what they thought was right and wrong. The president identified the Johnson amendment and he told people of faith of every background across this country that he would work to repeal it. And he's directed the administration to begin to look at ways, both legislatively and through executive action to do that.

Jill Stein on Civil Rights : Aug 8, 2016
Protect LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination

• Protect LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination.
• Defend indigenous rights, lands and treaties.

Doug Burgum on Civil Rights : Jun 25, 2016
No discrimination because of sexual orientation

Nelson: Yes.

Stenehjem: I do support extending anti-discrimination protections for the LBGT community in housing and employment. One thing that will be necessary is to establish that discrimination in that area is a problem that needs to be addressed. No one should have to worry about finding a job or a place to live because of their sexual orientation. But these protections must also be accompanied by protections for religious freedom, especially as it relates to small business.

Burgum: As with any legislation, the specific language is very important. I believe no one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and would want to work with the legislature to appropriately address this issue.

Donald Trump on Civil Rights : Jun 17, 2016
Sexual orientation is invalid reason for firing workers

Should "gender identity" be added to anti-discrimination laws?
• Donald Trump's answer: Yes. Asked whether private companies should be able to fire employees simply because they're gay, Trump said on "Meet The Press" that he didn't think sexual orientation "should be a reason" for letting workers go.
• Hillary Clinton's answer: Yes. "We should ban discrimination against LGBT Americans and their families so they can live, learn, marry, and work," she says on her campaign website.
• Gary Johnson's answer: Yes. Johnson says that he doesn't believe there should be workplace discrimination against gays, referencing racial segregation and civil rights laws from the 1960s: "There has to be an awareness, and there has to be consequences to discrimination. And there should not be discrimination."
• Bernie Sanders' answer: Yes, and the government should do more to protect minorities from discrimination.
• Jill Stein's answer: Yes.

Bernie Sanders on Principles & Values : Jan 30, 2016
Agrees with Hillary, but more fervently, on many issues

• Abortion: Both would promote reproductive rights, although Hillary would consider opposing viewpoints.
• Gay Rights: Both would promote same-sex marriage; although Hillary was slower to evolve on this issue than many progressives.
• Healthcare: Both would maintain ObamaCare, but Bernie would move towards a single-payer system.
• Gun Control: Hillary is the progressive on this issue (hard-core consistently in favor of gun control, while rural-state Bernie has the more moderate stance and mixed historical voting record.
• Stimulus: both agree on federal spending to end the Great Recession, although Bernie would devote substantially more resources to infrastructure and an increased minimum wage.
• Alternative energy: both would move away from fossil fuels, although Hillary was slow to oppose the Keystone pipeline.

Mike Pence on Civil Rights : Oct 24, 2015
Listen to the merits of debate on LGBT rights

This is a policy and political gauntlet for Gov. Pence. He will have to be adroit and communicate well, or he faces the prospect of being a one-term governor. It's time for statewide non-discrimination protections for LGBT Hoosiers!

Mike Pence on Civil Rights : Sep 24, 2015
Religious Freedom Act is not about LGBT discrimination

"This bill is not about discrimination, and if I thought it legalized discrimination in any way in Indiana, I would have vetoed it," Pence said at the time. "In fact, it does not even apply to disputes between private parties unless government action is involved. For more than 20 years, the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act has never undermined our nation's anti-discrimination laws, and it will not in Indiana."

Bernie Sanders on Civil Rights : Sep 5, 2015
Vermont implemented ENDA 22 years ago; so should feds

A: Unfortunately many LGBTQ people still feel uncomfortable or even unsafe coming out in their workplaces. And they can't be blamed--they're paid less and have fewer employment opportunities than non-LGBTQ Americans. Bernie voted in favor of the Employment Discrimination Act in 2009 to prohibit workplace discrimination as a result of sexual orientation. He commended Pres. Obama last year after he prohibited discrimination against gay and transgender federal employees saying:

"We've got to end LGBT discrimination in the workplace. Vermont did this 22 years ago when it passed one of the first state laws in the country protecting lesbian and gay workers. Congress should have acted long ago, House Republicans won't even allow a vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act [ENDA] that the Senate passed last year. That's why Pres. Obama's executive order is an important step in the right direction."

Bernie Sanders on Families & Children : Sep 5, 2015
Violence Against Women Act applies to men and gays, too

In 2012, Bernie co-sponsored the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, a bill that included additional provisions to protect LGBT victims, expand access to justice for victims on Native American reservations, and extend protection for immigrants.

After the renewal of the VAWA, Bernie said: "While we are reducing the incidence of domestic violence, much more has to be done. Too many girls and women are still suffering from domestic violence and sexual abuse and that must end."

Men are victims of domestic violence, and Bernie supports all victims of domestic violence. Although the title of this Act states that it is for women, the operative text is gender-neutral and applies to men and women, including transgender people.

Bernie Sanders on Families & Children : Sep 5, 2015
LGBTQ values are family values

In 1972 and 1976, when Bernie first ran for office in Vermont, he was an outspoken ally of the LGBTQ community; as a plank of his platform, he proposed the abolishment of all discriminatory laws pertaining to sexuality. In 1983, after he was elected to be mayor of Burlington, Vt., Bernie backed the city's first-ever pride march.

Throughout his decades of public service, Bernie has voted against measures that impede the LGBTQ community's rights and has supported those that protect them from discrimination.

LGBTQ Values Are Family Values: Bernie was an early supporter and continue to be a committed advocate for LGBTQ families. He has regularly fought for them to have the same rights as families formed by heterosexual couples, publicly equating family values with LGBTQ values.

Jill Stein on Civil Rights : Jul 6, 2015
No discrimination based on orientation whether it's LGB or T

OnTheIssues:In the wake of national same-sex marriage, what about transgender rights?

Stein: I include transgender rights in GLBT protection. Sexual orientation should not be a basis for discrimination whether it's LGB or T. In my first run for office in 2002, when this issue was first brought to my attention, I was for marriage, not just civil unions. It wasn't until 3 years ago that the leadership of the Democratic Party changed its tune--even in 2004 Hillary was still opposing gay marriage. Vice President Joe Biden finally broke the ice [by saying he was "comfortable" with gay marriage in 2012]-- by that time gay marriage was rating highly favorable in the polls--is that leadership? I believe in doing what is right and leading the way. The Democratic Party is doing the opposite of that.

Jill Stein on Civil Rights : Jul 6, 2015
After marriage equality comes workplace equality

Stein: My sense is that we need to end discrimination in the workplace and housing. There are 28 states that have not enacted protection in the workplace. Suicides are four times elevated among LGBT youth.

OnTheIssues: You mean you're worried about same-sex couples being "Married on Sunday; fired on Monday?"

Stein: Yes that's right.

Kamala Harris on Civil Rights : Aug 27, 2014
Eliminate "gay panic" tactic for criminal defendants

Legislative Outcome: Co-sponsored by Attorney General Kamala D. Harris; 8/26/14: Passed Senate, 25-9-6; 8/27/14: Passed Assembly, 58-15-6; signed by Governor Brown

Jill Stein on Civil Rights : Jul 31, 2014
Recognize gay marriages & civil unions from abroad in visas

• We will pursue legislation against all forms of hate crimes, including those directed against people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, and intersex. Offenders must pay compensation to the LGBTIQ people who have suffered violence and injustice.
• The Green Party will end all Federal military and civilian aid to national governments whose laws result in the imprisonment or otherwise bring harm to citizens and residents based on sexual orientation, or gender identity, characteristics, and expression.
• The Green Party will enact a policy that the U.S. Government recognize all international marriages and legal equivalents, such as civil unions, in processing visitor and immigration visas.
• The Green Party would end security surveillance and covert infiltration of organizations that promote equal rights on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.