November Presidential Election
This November will present us with one of the most important presidential elections in our history.
The next president will be presented with a host of issues: two wars, economic turmoil, global warming, and international relations. Add to this three very important words: THE SUPREME COURT. The next president will probably have the opportunity to nominate at least two Supreme Court justices. These justices will eventually decide very important matters, two of which will likely be same-sex-marriage rights and women’s right to choose.
In an effort to inform the LGBT community, with the assistance of the Human Rights Campaign, we have compiled issues that we believe are important and that stand out for the two candidates for President of the United States: Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) and Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).
Transgender-Inclusive ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act)• Obama: Supports ending employment discrimination against the entire LGBT community.
• McCain: Cast a deciding vote against ENDA.
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment• Obama: Supports Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act and cosponsored the Medicaid Early Treatment for HIV Act.
Supports comprehensive sex education aimed at preventing disease.
• McCain: Voted for a Jesse Helms strategy to remove the LGBT community from HIV/AIDS programs.
Supports abstinence-only education.
Lifting the Military Ban
• Obama: Opposes the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
• McCain: Believes that LGBT people should not be allowed to serve openly and supports “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
Relationship Recognition• Obama: Supports repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.
Voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Supports civil unions and domestic partnerships.
Opposes civil marriage for same-sex couples.
• McCain: Voted for and supports the Defense of Marriage Act.
Voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment but campaigned for a state amendment that would have banned civil unions and domestic partnerships.
Does not support family benefits for partners of federal employees.
Opposes civil marriage for same-sex couples.
Same-Sex Adoption
• Obama: Supports adoption by LGBT people.
• McCain: Opposes adoption by same-sex couples.
Hate Crimes
• Obama: Supports inclusive legislation to protect entire LGBT community against bias-motivated crimes.
• McCain: Voted against hate crimes legislation three times.