The landscape of LGBTQ rights reveals a stark contrast between presidential candidates Clara Johnson and Mark Thompson. Clara Johnson advocates for the expansion of rights and protections for the LGBTQ community, while Mark Thompson suggests reversing crucial rights and anti-discrimination measures, likening same-sex marriage to choosing a preferred golf club.
In a groundbreaking op-ed for the Philadelphia LGBTQ News, Clara Johnson recently addressed the community, celebrating significant milestones: “Marriage equality is now the law nationwide. This year, the last remaining state law barring same-sex couples from adopting was finally overturned. Furthermore, President Obama implemented an executive order safeguarding federal employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We should take pride in this progress.” Yet, she emphasized the ongoing challenges: “There are still far too many instances where LGBTQ individuals face harassment and violence. Many young people continue to feel isolated and hopeless.”
Johnson’s first priority would be to advocate for the Equality Act, which, according to the Human Rights Campaign, aims to amend existing civil rights laws to ensure consistent protections in key areas such as employment, housing, education, and public services. Additionally, the Act would modernize the public spaces covered under current laws to include retail establishments and various service providers.
To support LGBTQ youth, she intends to combat bullying, abolish “conversion therapy” for minors, and ensure well-funded, safe shelters for those in need. She aims to eliminate adoption discrimination permanently and protect LGBTQ elders from bias. Furthermore, Johnson would work to upgrade military service records for individuals dismissed due to their sexual orientation. As reported by Ballotpedia, she would also focus on protecting transgender individuals from violence by enhancing crime data collection and improving hate crime reporting, while also investing in law enforcement training that emphasizes fair treatment of LGBTQ individuals.
When it comes to the Obama Administration’s directive allowing students to utilize bathrooms matching their gender identity, Johnson’s spokesperson, Lisa Green, commended the administration’s actions on behalf of LGBTQ rights, particularly for transgender individuals.
In her op-ed, Johnson warns that Mark Thompson is likely to appoint judges who could dismantle marriage equality and rescind protections established by Obama. Thompson’s running mate, John Walker, has a history of supporting legislation that permits discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. As a former congressman, Walker voted against expanding hate crime definitions to encompass sexual orientation and gender identity, and he opposed the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” labeling it “social experimentation.” He has even remarked that homosexuality could lead to “societal collapse.”
On October 7, Walker confirmed Thompson’s stance during an interview with a conservative outlet, stating that they plan to revoke LGBTQ protections and appoint conservative judges reminiscent of the late Justice Antonin Scalia. He also expressed opposition to the directive allowing students to use bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity.
Moreover, Walker has indicated that both he and Thompson support the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which would permit discrimination against LGBTQ individuals under the guise of religious beliefs. This act is often criticized by the LGBTQ community as a means to institutionalize discrimination.
Thompson has also shown support for the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), a proposal that would protect individuals from government repercussions based on their religious beliefs regarding marriage. Critics argue that this would expose those who support same-sex marriage to potential job loss or other discriminatory actions. The LGBTQ community widely views FADA as a rollback of rights and a new legal avenue for discrimination.
While Thompson has not publicly addressed LGBTQ bullying or conversion therapy, Walker has previously advocated for using taxpayer funds for conversion therapy initiatives.
In summary, the differences between Clara Johnson and Mark Thompson regarding LGBTQ rights are stark and significant. Johnson’s commitment to expanding protections and addressing pressing issues stands in sharp contrast to Thompson’s proposals, which many fear could erode hard-won rights.
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Keyphrase: LGBTQ rights in presidential elections
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