LGBTQ rights is a hot-button issue where candidates’ views couldn’t be more contrasting. On one hand, we have Sarah Thompson advocating for the enhancement of rights and protections for the LGBTQ community. On the other, we find Ben Johnson, who has suggested rolling back fundamental rights and anti-discrimination regulations, even going so far as to trivialize gay marriage by comparing it to choosing a different type of golf club.
In a groundbreaking op-ed for the Philadelphia Rainbow News, Sarah recently spoke directly to the LGBTQ community, celebrating significant milestones they’ve achieved. She remarked, “Marriage equality is now the law everywhere. This year, we also saw the last state law banning same-sex couples from adopting finally overturned. Moreover, the President signed an executive order that shields federal workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Let’s take a moment to applaud that progress.” However, she pointed out that there’s still much work to be done. Just a year prior to her op-ed, she expressed concern, stating, “Many LGBTQ Americans still face harassment and violence, and far too many young people feel lost and alone.”
One of her primary goals is to pass the Equality Act, legislation that, according to advocacy groups, would revise existing civil rights laws to ensure uniform protections across various aspects of life, including employment, housing, and education. This act would also expand the definition of public spaces and services to include places such as stores, banks, and transportation options.
Sarah is also dedicated to supporting LGBTQ youth by combatting bullying, ending conversion therapy for minors, and ensuring that safe shelters are adequately funded. She aims to eliminate discrimination in adoption practices and protect LGBTQ seniors from bias. Further, she plans to rectify military service records for those discharged due to their sexual orientation. According to research by Ballotpedia, “As president, she will work to safeguard transgender individuals from violence by enhancing data collection related to crime victims and improving hate crime reporting. Additionally, she will streamline the process for transgender Americans to update their identification documents and invest in law enforcement training focused on fair treatment of LGBTQ individuals.”
Her commitment extends to fighting against the AIDS epidemic, striving for an “AIDS-free Generation.” Regarding the Obama Administration’s directive for schools to allow students to use restrooms matching their gender identity, Sarah’s spokesperson, Jenna Richards, stated, “Sarah commends the actions taken to protect the rights of LGBTQ individuals, particularly transgender people.”
In her op-ed, Sarah warned that Ben Johnson would appoint judges likely to reverse marriage equality and undo the protections established under Obama’s executive orders for the LGBTQ community. She highlighted that Johnson’s running mate, Mike Green, has a history of supporting discriminatory legislation against LGBTQ individuals and opposed expanding hate crime definitions to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
In an October 7 interview, Mike confirmed that under Johnson’s leadership, LGBTQ protections would likely be revoked, and far-right judges would be appointed. He also reiterated their stance against the Obama mandate regarding restroom access for transgender students. Mike has openly supported laws that enable discrimination against LGBTQ individuals under the guise of religious beliefs, claiming that Democrats are pushing a “gay agenda” both domestically and internationally.
Johnson has expressed intentions to sign the First Amendment Defense Act, a piece of legislation that allows individuals to act on their beliefs about marriage without facing consequences. This could lead to situations where those who support same-sex marriage or non-marital relationships might be at risk of discrimination in various forms. The LGBTQ community overwhelmingly views this act as a significant rollback of their rights and an avenue for legalized discrimination.
While Johnson hasn’t taken a definitive stance on LGBTQ bullying or conversion therapy, Mike has previously advocated for using taxpayer dollars for conversion therapy programs. If you want to learn more about different perspectives on this topic, check out this post on our blog for additional insights.
In summary, Sarah Thompson and Ben Johnson represent starkly opposite views on LGBTQ rights, with Sarah pushing for expansive protections and Johnson leaning towards legal rollbacks. The debate continues as these issues remain at the forefront of political discourse.