There were eight 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidates at the start of the race in Iowa on January 3, 2008. Two of
them support full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and
queer Americans. The other six candidates support most rights. See the
details...
DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT 2008 AT THE BEGINNING OF THE RACE
SENATOR JOE BIDEN (DE) | Website | 2008 CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
Heartbreaker: Encourage him to become Pro-Equality
As a Senator, he voted in favor of ENDA and Hate Crimes
legislation, but he voted against LGBTQ rights when he voted in favor
of DOMA in 1996. He is not a co-sponsor of partner immigration.
In 2003, he said this about marriage equality. "It's going to be something we have to go through as part of the maturation process of the nation."
SENATOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON (NY) | Website | 2008 CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
Heartbreaker: Encourage her to become Pro-Equality
She supports all Equality Goals except marriage equality, though in 2006, she "evolved."
"I believe in full equality of benefits, nothing left out. From my
perspective, there is a greater likelihood of us getting to that point
in civil unions or domestic partnerships. If our governor and our
legislature support marriage in New York, I'm not going to be against
that."
SENATOR CHRIS DODD (CT) | Website| 2008 CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
Heartbreaker: Encourage him to become Pro-Equality
His voting record on LGBTQ issues is the strongest among the Senators
in the race, since he is the only one to co-sponsor a partner
immigration bill.
"I believe that civil unions are appropriate and proper. I don't
support same-sex marriage. And the distinction there I think is one of
more of what's available, what the traditions are."
FORMER SENATOR JOHN EDWARDS (NC) | Website | 2008 CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
Heartbreaker: Encourage him to become Pro-Equality
He said he would provide leadership towards gaining partnership benefits, civil unions, and repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
"I am not personally for gay marriage, but it troubles me that I
would use my personal experience in life as a basis for establishing a
policy for the United States of America, and I feel conflict about
that."
FORMER SENATOR MIKE GRAVEL (VA) | Website | 2008 CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
Pro-Equality (later in the race Senator Gravel switched to the Libertarian Party)
The former Senator from Alaska has publicly supported open military
service, employment non-discrimination and marriage for LGBTQ people.
Though his call for democratic reform through his "National Initiative For Democracy" would allow popular votes to decide issues, including LGBTQ rights and marriage equality.
CONGRESSMAN DENNIS KUCINICH (OH) | Website | 2008 CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
Pro-Equality
By far the strongest pro-equality candidate in the race, he is
helping to keep the public aware of the inequalities faced by LGBTQ
Americans.
From his campaign website: "I support the right of gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons to have the full
protections and rights afforded under civil law including the right to
marry the person of their choice."
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA (IL) | Website | 2008 CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
Heartbreaker: Encourage him to become Pro-Equality
He supports partner immigration, hate crimes protections, and
employment non-discrimination, but he does not support civil marriage
equality.
The marriage label brings about fierce opposition and makes the issue a lost cause." Rather, he supports civil unions. "I think it is the right balance to strike in this society."
GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON (NM) | Website | 2008 CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
Heartbreaker: Encourage him to become Pro-Equality
As Governor, he signed civil rights protections to include sexual
orientation and gender identity. As a candidate in 2007, he cited as a
"mistake" his vote for DOMA as a Congressman in 1996.
Regarding marriage equality he said, "I'll be honest, I'm not going to be with you on that point."
Check also: 2008 Republican Presidential Candidates in Iowa | Endorsement Criteria
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