Dean vs. Edwards on Gay and Lesbian Issues

[HFishbine]

Background

DEAN: As Governor, Howard Dean signed Vermont's landmark civil union legislation. The law grants gay and lesbian couples the same basic legal rights as married couples.

EDWARDS: John Edwards has been a Senator in North Carolina since 1999.

Employment Non-Discrimination:

DEAN: Howard Dean promises to fight for the enactment of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).

EDWARDS: Edwards supports a federal bill that would outlaw job discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Gender Identity Employment:

DEAN: Dean supports passage of a federal bill to outlaw discrimination in the workplace based on gender identity and expression.

EDWARDS: Edwards is undecided on a federal bill to outlaw workplace discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

Hate Crimes:

DEAN: Dean supports the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in Federal Hate Crimes Law. Currently laws do not include gender identity or sexual orientation, but do include race, religion and national origin.

EDWARDS: Edwards supports expanding federal Hate Crimes Law to include sexual orientation.

Same-Sex Marriage:

DEAN: Dean opposes same-sex marriage, but thinks the federal government should recognize legal unions created by states and other countries.

EDWARDS: Edwards opposes same-sex marriage, but he does not think the Constitution should be amended to define marriage as between a man and a woman.

Family Medical Leave:

DEAN: Dean supports extending the Family Medical Leave Act to domestic partners and their children.

EDWARDS: Edwards is undecided on extending Family Medical Leave Act to same-sex couples.

Same-Sex Immigration:

DEAN: Dean supports the Permanent Partners Immigration Act (H.R. 832) which would allow American citizens to sponsor their same-sex partner for immigration into this country.

EDWARDS: Edwards is undecided on legislation that would allow American citizens to sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration into the country.

Gay and Lesbian Adoption:

DEAN: Dean supports same-sex adoption.

EDWARDS: Edwards supports giving same-sex couples the same rights to adopt children as heterosexual couples.


Don't Ask, Don't Tell:

DEAN: Dean supports the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" which would allow gay, lesbian and bisexual soldiers to serve openly in the military

EDWARDS: Edwards supports the rights of gays, lesbians and bisexuals to serve openly in the United States Military.


Source: Lesbian Life