Of The Leading Dem Candidates, Whom Do You Think Is Most Gay Friendly?

[ruggerson]

If you had to choose between:

Clinton
Edwards
Obama
Richardson

Who would do the most to advance gay rights?


on edit: and yes, I realize many, if not most of us, are not one issue voters. Some may end up supporting a different candidate from the one whom we feel is closest to us on our issues.

[patrice]

1. Just a gut reaction: Clinton

She could speak to the issue of what does or does not constitute a threat to hetero marriages . . . . ? I wonder if she also has more gay constituents.

[DURHAM D]

2. Clinton hands down. But don't tell anyone. n/t

[La Lioness Priyanka]

3. honestly, clinton.

i think the clintons are personally very liberal. however they are pragmatic politicians so they may not press on more liberal issues.

keep in mind many people blame the loss of the house/senate because clinton tried to have gays serve in the military.

[bliss_eternal]

4. Good question.

I'm eager to read responses on this, to hear from members of the community who is felt to be most "pro-equality." It's sometimes hard to gauge from the canned responses on their websites, etc.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

5. Clinton, without a doubt.

[TechBear_Seattle]

6. Define "gay friendly"

If three candidates are happy to throw us under the bus (as Democrats are wont to do) but the fourth would feel a bit sad at throwing us under the bus, would that fourth one be classed as "gay friendly"?

[dsc]

7. It honestly is a hard question

Edwards was about the worst last time but he has changed position on some issues in our favor, most notably civil unions. Obama would says all the right things but his overt religiousity worries me. I would love to know what role he played in Illinois passing of a gay civil rights law. That would help me make a decision. Clinton worries me due to her husband's behavior in 2000. It was totally inexcusible. But, she shouldn't be judged by her husband's behavior. Richardson has a good record in NM. During his governorship they passed a gay civil rights law and some form of partnership recognition. They also had no back sliding in civil rights under his leadership. They are by far the best state for gays in the Rockies. Based on that I would give the edge to Richardson.

[terrya]

8. None of them supports same-sex marriage.

I guess I'd have to say Barack Obama. Of that list.

[triakis36]

10. I'm not sure about Obama now...

According to this article - http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/02/021207obama.htm

>>"I believe that every American has basic rights that have to be respected," said Obama, who noted that his parents perhaps broke >>the law when they entered into a biracial marriage in the 1960s. He also repeated his stance on gay marriage - that civil unions are >>fine, but marriage is a religious bond.

Is it too much to hope for to have someone go all the way and fight for full marriage rights?

[Siyahamba]

11. Marriage is a religious bond

That his own denomination - the United Church of Christ - supports same-sex couples having.

[triakis36]

12. Ooh..now I'm liking his choice of words..

Thank you for clarifying. :7

[TechBear_Seattle]

15. He is quite ignorant of marriage, isn't he?

In the United States, thanks in large part to the First Amendment separation of Church and State, marriage is and always has been a CIVIL union. Nowhere in this country is a religious ceremony required, and nowhere in this country does a religious ceremony take the place of filing CIVIL documents with the proper CIVIL authorities. This is supported by the vast number of CIVIL laws which govern marriage; those would be unconstitutional interference with religious matters if marriage were, in fact, a religious matter.

Anyone who claims that marriage is strictly a religious thing is either ignorant, deluded, or both.

[sniffa]

9. kucinich

or dodd.

[Meeker Morgan]

13. Kucinich, of course.

The others are gay friendly -- except when it matters.

Dodd is running?

[dsc]

14. Kucinich was for DOMA when it mattered

Kucinich was a candidate for Congress in 1996 and stated he agreed with the law. After his election he repeatedly stated the law didn't need changed. Only around the time of his change on abortion did he change on gay issues.

[Meldread]

16. I think our best hope is Obama.

Here is why I think this:

Hillary, like her Husband, is completely willing to throw us under the bus for political expediency, and due to her triangulating nature it is hard to determine exactly where she stands.

While Obama has openly stated in no uncertain terms that he is for civil unions and not marriage, he is a member of the United Church of Christ. The UCC is for gay marriage and full equality for gay people. The UCC is also one of the most liberal dominations in the United States. Obama also has cross over nature with Republicans, whereas Hillary does not. Obama's religious nature also shields him from attacks from the Radical Religious Right in the country, making him less vulnerable than other candidates. Also, despite what Obama has stated it could be possible to sway his opinion in our favor, and I also believe that if nothing else we could actually -at least- see Civil Unions with him as President. I do not think any of the other candidates would even be willing to go that far.

Additionally, with Obama as president this could diminish the power of the Radical Religious Right and begin giving sway to the religious left who are more sympathetic, if not openly supportive, of gay rights and gay marriage.

[Divine Discontent]

18. well, maybe that's why the "right wing religious" types are attacking Obama's Muslim connection

cuz they know they can't get him on the Christian connection as not being Christian enough for them, so they go after this fake "madrassa" crap.

God bless any of them that support gay rights and do it even when it's not popular. I used to be brainwashed thinking gays shouldn't marry too, but that was before I thought WTH am I thinking? of course it's a right we should have! There are plenty of gays still in that boat, I hope they come to shore!


www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable <<-- antibush prodem stickers/shirts

[JeremyWestenn]

17. Go, go Hillary!

Personally, I think she's the one most apt to potentially issue an executive order and end DADT and all that nonsense.