Hillary Clinton on Gay and Lesbian Issues

Former First Lady and New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (born October 26, 1947) is a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. She is married to former President Bill Clinton. Hillary is known to be a strong proponent of universal health care, but does her stand on gay and lesbian issues match up?

Hillary Clinton supports civil unions, but opposes same-sex marriage. She believes that the individual states should decide on gay marriage. Clinton also opposes a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, voting against the failed Federal Marriage Amendment.

Hillary Clinton discusses same-sex marriage in February 2007 interview with San Francisco Chronicle readers:

"Civil unions give gay and lesbian couples the stability and security they need without interfering in any way with the tradition of marriage," Clinton explains. "I support full equality of benefits, rights, and responsibilities for individuals in loving, stable, same sex relationships, and believe that civil unions are the way to achieve that goal. I do not think that civil unions should be less than marriage - there needs to be equality of benefits."

Hillary Clinton supports equal adoption rights. “We’re going to make sure that nothing stands in the way of loving couples, gay or straight, who want to adopt children,” Clinton said during a March 2007 speech to 400 members of the Human Rights Campaign.

Hillary Clinton supports a repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," even though her husband, former President Bill Clinton, signed the policy into law. A repeal would allow gays to serve openly in the military.

Clinton supports legislation banning employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. She also is a proponent of equal benefits for federal employees. According to the Hillary Clinton fact sheet, "It is inconceivable to Hillary that people who work hard and do a good job every day can still be fired because of who they are or who they love. It's unfair, it's un-American, and she will put a stop to it."

Hilary Clinton supported the failed Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would have included LGBT individuals in federal hate crimes laws.

Clinton wrote the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which expands access to vital treatment options for low-income individuals living with HIV. She has also supported increased funding for the Ryan White CARE Act.