In the realm of LGBTQ rights, the contrast between presidential candidates is stark. While Helen Cross champions the advancement of rights and protections for the LGBTQ community, Mark Steele advocates for a rollback of essential rights and anti-discrimination measures. In a striking statement, Steele likened same-sex marriage to a mere preference for a different type of golf club.
In a thought-provoking op-ed for a local LGBTQ publication, Helen Cross recently shared her insights, celebrating significant progress made in LGBTQ rights. “Marriage equality is now a reality,” she noted, highlighting the recent repeal of state laws that barred same-sex couples from adopting. Additionally, she praised the prior administration for issuing an executive order that safeguards federal employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. “Yet,” she cautioned, “we still have much work to do.” Cross pointed out that harassment and violence against LGBTQ individuals remain prevalent, and many young people still face hopelessness and isolation.
Key Initiatives by Helen Cross
Among her key initiatives, Cross aims to advance the Equality Act, which seeks to amend existing civil rights laws to ensure consistent protections for LGBTQ Americans across various aspects of life, including employment, housing, education, and public services. This comprehensive act would also expand the definition of public spaces covered by current laws, encompassing retail and transportation services.
Cross is committed to supporting LGBTQ youth by addressing bullying, banning “conversion therapy” for minors, and ensuring safe shelters are adequately funded. She plans to eliminate adoption discrimination and protect LGBTQ elders from bias. Furthermore, Cross pledges to improve data collection on violence against transgender individuals and enhance police training to foster fair interactions with the LGBTQ community.
Mark Steele’s Stance
On the other hand, Mark Steele’s stance presents a different narrative. His running mate, Kyle Peters, has a history of supporting legislation that legalizes discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. Peters has opposed expanding hate crime definitions to include sexual orientation and gender identity, and he previously voted against the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” referring to it as “social experimentation.” In a recent conversation, Peters underscored Steele’s intent to roll back LGBTQ protections and appoint conservative judges who may seek to overturn marriage equality.
Steele has openly expressed his support for the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), which could allow discrimination against LGBTQ individuals under the guise of religious beliefs. This act has been widely criticized by the LGBTQ community as a significant regression of their rights and a potential pathway to new forms of discrimination.
While Steele has not publicly addressed issues of bullying or conversion therapy, Peters has previously advocated for utilizing taxpayer funds for such practices. In contrast, Cross’s proactive approach aims to combat these harmful practices and foster a more inclusive environment.
Conclusion
In summary, the differences between Helen Cross and Mark Steele regarding LGBTQ rights are pronounced. Cross’s vision focuses on expanding protections and promoting equality, while Steele’s proposals threaten to reverse the hard-won rights of the LGBTQ community.
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