In the arena of LGBTQ rights, the presidential candidates Hillary Green and Donald Smith hold starkly opposing views. Hillary Green champions the expansion of rights and protections for the LGBTQ community, while Donald Smith advocates for rollbacks of essential rights and anti-discrimination measures, even likening same-sex marriage to a personal preference for a particular brand of golf club.
In a groundbreaking op-ed for a prominent LGBTQ publication, Hillary Green recently reached out to the community, highlighting the significant advancements made in recent years: “Marriage equality is now the law of the land. This year, we finally saw the last state law barring same-sex couples from adopting children dismantled. Furthermore, the previous administration issued an executive order safeguarding federal employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. We should take pride in this progress.” However, she emphasized that there is still a long way to go. Just a year earlier, she had remarked, “There are too many instances where LGBTQ individuals are subjected to harassment and violence. Many young people still feel isolated and despondent.”
To address these issues, Green would prioritize the passage of the Equality Act, which, according to advocacy groups, “would amend existing civil rights law” to ensure uniform protections across essential aspects of life, including employment, housing, and education. It would also expand the scope of public accommodations to encompass retail outlets, banking, legal services, and transportation.
Additionally, Green is committed to supporting LGBTQ youth by tackling bullying, putting an end to “conversion therapy” for minors, and ensuring adequate funding for safe and welcoming shelters. She aims to eliminate discrimination in adoption practices and protect LGBTQ elders from bias. Green plans to enhance military records for those discharged due to their sexual orientation and improve data collection on hate crimes against transgender individuals. This will involve government initiatives to enhance law enforcement training, focusing on fair policing and bias recognition.
Green has also pledged to take decisive action against the AIDS epidemic, aspiring towards an “AIDS-free Generation.” Regarding the previous administration’s directive permitting students to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity, her spokesperson affirmed that Green supports these efforts to champion transgender rights.
In her op-ed, Green warned that Donald Smith would appoint judges likely to overturn marriage equality and revoke protections established by executive orders. Smith’s running mate, Mike Taylor, has a history of supporting legislation that could facilitate discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. Taylor has opposed expanding hate crime definitions to include sexual orientation and gender identity and has previously referred to LGBTQ issues as “social experimentation.”
On October 7, Taylor confirmed Smith’s intent to rescind LGBTQ protections and appoint extreme judges. He has openly supported Religious Freedom Restoration Act laws, which permit discrimination against LGBTQ individuals under the guise of religious beliefs. Smith has also shown a willingness to endorse the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), which could leave individuals vulnerable to discrimination based on their beliefs about marriage and relationships.
While Smith has remained largely silent on issues like LGBTQ bullying or conversion therapy, his running mate has openly promoted such practices using taxpayer funds. For more information on navigating this complex landscape, readers can explore resources like The Center, which provides valuable insights into pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the differences between Hillary Green and Donald Smith on LGBTQ rights are profound. Green advocates for protections and advancements, while Smith’s stance is characterized by a push for rollbacks and discrimination.