Check out Joe Biden on the issues for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans: the positions and equality quotes of the Vice President.
SUPPORTS EQUALITY GOAL: HATE CRIMES
Senator Joe Biden is a long term supporter of Hate Crimes protection legislation and has co-sponsored several versions of the legislation over many years. The current version, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 (S. 1105) has not been voted yet in the Senate; it includes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity---like the version that was approved in the House.
EQUALITY GOAL: NON DISCRIMINATION
Senator Joe Biden has been a long-term supporter of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). The most recent version included for the first time gender identity and expression.
The House voted in 2007 a version of ENDA that did not cover gender identity or expression. The Senate has not voted yet on ENDA during this session. Senator Biden's position on including gender identity or expression is unknown.
SUPPORTS EQUALITY GOAL: MILITARY --- REPEAL DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL
Joe Biden Quotes on Gays in the Military: "I've been in these foxholes with these kids, literally in bunkers with them. Let me tell you something, nobody asked anybody else whether they're gay in those foxholes. Our allies -- the British, the French, all our major allies -- gays openly serve. I don't know the last time an American soldier said to a backup from a Brit, 'Hey, by the way, let me check. Are you gay? Are you straight?' This is ridiculous."
Source: 2007 Democratic debate at Saint Anselm College Jun 3, 2007
EQUALITY GOAL: MARRIAGE EQUALITY
Senator Biden supports letting states determine how to recognize civil unions and how to define marriage. He believes that legal recognition should not be denied to same-sex couples.
Source:
HRC 2008 Presidential Questionnaire
Joe Biden Quotes on Same Sex Marriage: "I think government should not be able to dictate to religions the definition of marriage, but on a civil side, government has the obligation to strip away every vestige of discrimination as to what individuals are able to do in terms of their personal conduct."
Source: Meet the Press: 2007 "Meet the Candidates" series Apr 29, 2007
SUPPORTS INTERIM GOAL: FEDERAL PROTECTIONS FOR COUPLES
Senator Biden believes that legal recognition should not be denied to same-sex couples.
Source: HRC 2008 Presidential Questionnaire
SUPPORTS INTERIM GOAL: CIVIL UNIONS AND DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
Asked about whether he was OK with he civil unions legislation in New Hampshire, Senator Biden said: "Yes. Yes, it is."
Source: Meet the Press: 2007 "Meet the Candidates" series Apr 29, 2007
INTERIM GOAL: REPEAL THE FEDERAL DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT (DOMA)
Senator Biden voted in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996. His current position is unknown. He voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment.
PARTIAL SUPPORT OF EQUALITY GOAL: FREEDOM OF GENDER
Although, Senator Biden supports Hate Crimes legislation that includes gender identity/expression, there is no public mention of his support or opposition to other
transgender-related goals such as birth certificates, driver's license, equal access to medical insurance,
etc.
EQUALITY GOAL: PROTECTING YOUTH
No public statements on his support for legislation to protect LGBT youth.
SUPPORTS EQUALITY GOAL: SAME SEX PARENTING RIGHTS
"Senator Biden believes that committed adults who are adopting should not be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation."
Source: HRC 2008 Presidential Questionnaire
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