Barack Obama: On Gay Rights

[Scriptor Ignotus]

just so you have all the facts...

http://www.ontheissues.org/senate/Barack_Obama.htm

Opposes gay marriage; supports civil union & gay equality. (Oct 2006)
Marriage not a human right; non-discrimination is. (Oct 2004)
Defend freedom and equality under law. (May 2004)
Include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws. (Jul 1998)
Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)

from http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/lgbt.pdf

Expand Hate Crimes Statutes
In 2004, crimes against LGBT Americans constituted the third-highest category of hate crime reported.
Obama co-sponsored legislation to expand federal hate crimes law to include crimes perpetrated
because of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Fight Workplace Discrimination and Promote Rights
Obama believes the Employment Non-Discrimination Act should be expanded to include sexual orientation
and gender identity. Obama sponsored legislation in the Illinois State Senate that would ban employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Support Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples
Barack Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples equal legal rights and privileges as married couples, including the right to assist their loved ones in times of emergency as well as equal health insurance, employment benefits, and property and adoption rights. Obama also believes we need to fully repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex couples in civil unions and other legally-recognized unions.

Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would have defined marriage as between
a man and a woman and prevented judicial extension of marriage-like rights to same-sex or other unmarried couples.

Repeal Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell
Obama believes we need to repeal the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. The key test for military service
should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve. Obama will work with military leaders to repeal the current policy and ensure we accomplish our national defense goals.

Fight AIDS Worldwide
Obama has been a global leader in the fight against AIDS. He traveled to Kenya and took a public HIV
test to encourage testing and reduce the stigma of the disease. Obama worked to reauthorize the Ryan
White CARE Act, one of the largest sources of federal funds for primary health care and support services for HIV/AIDS patients.


For the opposing viewpoint, see these articles:

http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/lesbianactivism/p/BarackObama.htm
http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid39485.asp

[sniffa]

1. awesome. i aLready have our signs printed up for his raLLy today.

they say, "OBAMA WE ARE NOT A CURSE"

i'm hoping we get up front.

[Bluebear]

3. OBAMA please keep Harvey Milk school open!!!

Don't take away a safe place for gay youth to study, free from the threat of violence, as your concert headliner wants it shut down!

[sniffa]

5. ooh, i shouLd get another sign for that

thanks. :thumbsup:

[Bluebear]

6. I already made it. What time is the rally?

Should we go in drag? That's just what they would be expecting, of course.

[sniffa]

7. starts at 6:30pm on tremont and boyLston

and yes drag. or maybe assLess chaps if you have 'em.

[Bluebear]

8. I can be there in an hour.

No assless chaps, bring your scissors and help me out.

[Bluebear]

2. Talks the Talk.

But...

[jlake]

4. And Bush is a "Compassionate Conservative"

Actions speak stronger than words. Obama's actions show that he is happy to throw gays under the bus.
No politician is perfect, but to defend Obama on this is out of line.

[sniffa]

9. true. he's as bad as hiLLary in that regard.

:puke: