When it comes to LGBTQ rights, the differences between presidential candidates are stark. Hillary Johnson advocates for the expansion of rights and protections for the LGBTQ community, while David Turner suggests rolling back fundamental rights and anti-discrimination measures. In one of his more controversial remarks, Turner has even compared gay marriage to choosing a different type of golf putter.
In a significant op-ed for the Philadelphia LGBTQ News, Hillary Johnson recently reached out to the LGBTQ community, highlighting the remarkable progress achieved over the years. She stated, “Marriage equality is now a reality across the nation. This year, we finally saw the last state law barring same-sex couples from adopting struck down. Additionally, President Obama’s executive order protects federal employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. We should take pride in these advancements.” However, she also emphasized that much work remains to be done, mentioning that “too many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans still face harassment and violence, leaving many young individuals feeling isolated and hopeless.”
Johnson is committed to advancing the Equality Act, which would amend existing civil rights laws to ensure consistent protections in key life areas like employment, housing, education, and public services. The act aims to extend protections to retail establishments, banks, legal services, and transportation services as well. She also plans to tackle issues affecting LGBTQ youth, such as bullying and the harmful practice of conversion therapy for minors, while ensuring adequate funding for safe shelters. Ending adoption discrimination and protecting LGBTQ elders from discrimination are also critical aspects of her agenda. Furthermore, she aims to rectify military service records for those dismissed due to their sexual orientation.
According to her campaign, Johnson will work to protect transgender individuals from violence by improving data collection on crime victims and enhancing hate crime reporting. She intends to streamline the process for transgender Americans to update gender markers on identification documents and invest in law enforcement training focused on fair treatment of LGBTQ individuals, especially transgender persons. Additionally, she will prioritize combating the AIDS epidemic in the pursuit of an “AIDS-free Generation.”
Regarding the Obama Administration’s directive for public schools to allow students to use bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity, Johnson’s spokesperson remarked, “Hillary Johnson commends the Obama administration for standing up for the rights of LGBTQ individuals, especially transgender rights.”
In her op-ed, Johnson warned that Turner would appoint judges likely to overturn marriage equality and revoke protective executive orders. She pointed out that his running mate, Mark Phillips, has a history of supporting discriminatory legislation against LGBTQ individuals and has opposed measures aimed at expanding hate crime definitions. Recently, Phillips confirmed that under Turner’s administration, LGBTQ protections would be reconsidered, and he expressed opposition to the Obama directive on bathroom access for transgender students.
Phillips has also made it clear that Turner supports the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which could allow for discrimination against LGBTQ individuals under the guise of religious beliefs. Moreover, Turner has indicated intentions to sign the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), which would protect individuals from government action based on their beliefs about marriage, potentially exposing those who support same-sex marriage to discrimination in various sectors.
While Johnson has articulated her commitment to addressing issues like bullying and conversion therapy, Turner has remained conspicuously silent on these matters, despite Phillips’ past advocacy for conversion therapy funded by taxpayers.
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In summary, the contrasting stances of Hillary Johnson and David Turner on LGBTQ rights highlight a significant divide in the political landscape. Johnson’s commitment to advancing protections for the LGBTQ community stands in stark opposition to Turner’s rollback measures, making this an essential topic for voters to consider.
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