Where the Presidential Candidates Stand
An analysis of the candidates' positions on issues of concern to the GLBT community
6/16/2008
Take action by encouraging the presidential candidate to support full equality for GLBT Americans. For more information, download Where the Presidential Candidates Stand (PDF).
Barack Obama |
John McCain |
Employment Non-Discrimination |
- Supports ending employment discrimination against the entire GLBT community
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- Cast a deciding vote against ENDA
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"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" |
- Opposes the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy
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- Believes that GLBT people should not be allowed to serve openly, and supports "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
|
Relationship Recognition |
- Supports repeal of DOMA
- Voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA)
- Supports civil unions and domestic partnerships
- Supports family benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees
- Opposes allowing civil marriage for same-sex couples
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- Voted for and supports DOMA, which denies couples all protections
- Voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA), but campaigned for a state amendment that would have also banned civil unions and domestic partnerships
- Does not support family benefits for partners of federal employees
- Opposes allowing civil marriage for same-sex couples
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Hate Crimes |
- Supports inclusive legislation to protect the entire GLBT community against bias-motivated violence
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- Voted against hate crime related legislation three times
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HIV/AIDS |
- Supports Ryan White CARE Act and access for early treatment of HIV under Medicaid (ETHA)
- Supports comprehensive sex education aimed at preventing disease
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- Has never co-sponsored Ryan White or ETHA, and voted for a Jesse Helms strategy to remove funding aimed at protecting the community from HIV/AIDS
- Supports abstinence-only education that leaves out GLBT people and is ineffective in combating the spread of HIV
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Adoption |
- Opposes bans on adoption by same-sex couples
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- Opposes adoption by same-sex couples
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