The topic of LGBTQ rights highlights stark contrasts between presidential candidates. Hillary Clinton advocates for the advancement of rights and protections for the LGBTQ community, while Donald Trump has suggested rolling back crucial rights and anti-discrimination measures. He has even compared the issue of same-sex marriage to choosing a different type of golf putter.
In a landmark op-ed for the Philadelphia Gay News, Clinton emphasized the progress made in recent years for LGBTQ rights. “Marriage equality is now the law across the United States,” she pointed out, celebrating the elimination of the last state law preventing same-sex couples from adopting. She also commended President Obama for signing an executive order that protects federal workers against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, stating, “We should celebrate that progress.” However, she acknowledged that more work lies ahead, stating, “Too many LGBTQ individuals still face harassment and violence, and numerous young people feel hopeless and isolated.”
Clinton’s plan includes the passage of the Equality Act, which aims to amend existing civil rights laws to ensure comprehensive protections in various aspects of life, such as employment, housing, and education. Furthermore, she intends to combat bullying, eliminate conversion therapy for minors, and ensure safe shelters for LGBTQ youth. Clinton also emphasizes the importance of protecting LGBTQ elders and will work to rectify military service records for those discharged due to their sexual orientation.
According to Ballotpedia, her administration would focus on enhancing safety for transgender individuals by gathering better data on hate crimes and improving law enforcement training to ensure fair treatment of LGBTQ individuals. In light of the Obama Administration’s directives allowing students to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity, Clinton’s spokesperson stated, “Hillary Clinton applauds these efforts to stand up for the rights of LGBTQ people, particularly transgender individuals.”
Conversely, Donald Trump has indicated that he would appoint judges likely to overturn marriage equality and rescind protections established by Obama. His running mate, Mike Parker, has a controversial history with LGBTQ rights. Parker supported legislation that facilitates discrimination against LGBTQ individuals and voted against expanding hate crime definitions to include sexual orientation and gender identity. He has been quoted as saying that homosexuality might lead to “societal collapse.”
In an interview, Parker confirmed that Trump intends to revoke LGBTQ protections and appoint conservative judges. He also stated support for the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which allows individuals to discriminate against LGBTQ people under the guise of religious beliefs. Trump has expressed intentions to endorse the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), which would enable discrimination against individuals based on their beliefs regarding marriage and sexual relations, exposing those who support same-sex marriage to potential job loss and other repercussions.
While Trump has not addressed issues like LGBTQ bullying or conversion therapy directly, Parker has previously endorsed the use of taxpayer funds for conversion therapy.
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In summary, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump represent two very different approaches to LGBTQ rights, with Clinton focused on furthering protections and enhancing support, while Trump appears inclined toward measures that could reverse progress made in recent years.