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Candidates Face Off
Wonder where the presidential hopefuls stand on gay issues? Look no further.
From The Advocate  November 4, 2008
Candidates Face Off

Halfway through his acceptance speech August 28 at the Democratic National Convention, presidential nominee Barack Obama called for unity despite Americans’ disagreements over hot-button social issues. “I know there are differences on same-sex marriage,” he said, “but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination.”

What a difference an election cycle makes. In 2004 the issue of gay marriage was largely ignored by Democrats and embraced as a call to arms by the GOP. This year both Obama and Republican nominee John McCain have gay friends and coworkers, and both oppose a Federal Marriage Amendment that would write a definition of marriage as a union of one man and one woman into the U.S. Constitution (although neither is sold on the idea of marriage equality).

But that’s the big picture. On issues like “don’t ask, don’t tell” or the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the two White House contenders are very different. Haven’t decided whom to vote for on November 4? Take a look at where they stand on the issues.

GAY MARRIAGE
Obama Supports civil unions and voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment. Supports repealing the Defense of Marriage Act. Opposes Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that would amend California’s constitution to undo marriage equality.

McCain Voted for DOMA in 1996. Believes “marriage is a union between one man and one woman,” but opposed the FMA, saying marriage laws should be left up to the states. Supports Proposition 8 and Proposition 102, which would amend Arizona’s constitution to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples.

EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION
Obama Cosponsored a bill in Illinois to prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Supports a transgender-inclusive federal ENDA.

McCain Voted against ENDA in 1996; it failed by one vote in the Senate. Originally said, “I don’t believe that [gay people] belong in a special category.” In a later interview with the Washington Blade, he changed his stance, saying, "Gay and lesbian people should not face discrimination in the workplace. I’ve always practiced that in my hiring. I select the best people, regardless of their sexual orientation. I support the concept of non-discrimination in hiring for gay and lesbian people."

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Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: Joe the Gay Republican Plumber
    Date posted: 2008-10-22 6:42 PM
    Hometown: Nowheresville, NW

    Comment:

    More Log Cabin "working from within" to gain us valuable traction inside the Republican Party. Gee - they're just a-workin and a-workin and a-workin from within to change the party! Can't you see how much they've changed the GOP? CAN'T YOU?


  • Name: Beec
    Date posted: 2008-10-22 6:08 PM
    Hometown: NY

    Comment:

    So if we are not in a separate category give me my rights. McCain and Palin are losers so is Obama. McCain at least speaks the truth time and time again but Obama changes his mind and speeches to fit the bill. I do not believe a word Obama has to say. He has lied to often. He stated he is against same sex marriage but uses words that glbt want to hear but are not his truth. I do not know who I am voting for. I do not know which one is the lesser of two evils. One who hangs out with the Osama bin laden or one who is against same sex marriage. Hard choice


  • Name: Marlene Shire Anderson
    Date posted: 2008-10-22 5:59 PM
    Hometown: Fair Oaks, CA

    Comment:

    So if I am not in a "special category" when it comes to employment discrimination then that would imply that I am just like everyone else. So why the heck are you trying to take away my civil right to be married? Oh, I get it. I'm the SAME as you, except when YOU want me to be different. No wonder the Republican Party is imploding in this election.


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