TO: Interested Parties
FROM: Brad Woodhouse, President of Correct The Record
RE: What You Need to Know About Donald Trump’s Chief Apologist, Mike Pence
DATE: October 4, 2016
Compared to the bombastic Donald Trump, many have painted vice presidential nominee Mike Pence as the voice of reason on the Republican ticket. In reality, Indiana Governor Mike Pence is as extreme as Republicans come and has emerged as the GOP’s leading apologist for Trump’s most outrageous comments and policies.
For years, Pence has been at the forefront of right-wing attacks on women’s health, LGBT rights and immigrants and refugees in both Washington and Indiana. So it is no surprise that since signing up for the Donald Trump campaign, Pence himself has emerged as the the chief defender and explainer of Trump’s hateful politics. Ahead of tonight’s vice presidential debate, here is what you need to know about the other half of the Republican ticket.
For someone who claims to be “a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order,” Pence has inexplicably defended Donald Trump’s offensive rhetoric and behavior at every turn. Pence has proven a remarkable willingness to try to dismiss, explain, or otherwise condone offensive statements and policies from his running mate and the Trump family. In the process, he has become an apologist for some of Trump’s ugliest and most poisonous rhetoric—including Birtherism, Trump’s insinuation of violence against Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump Jr.’s infamous Skittles tweet.
MACHADO: Ignoring the blatantly offensive nature of Trump’s comments, Pence brushed off Donald Trump’s body shaming and incendiary tweets about a “sex tape” (that doesn’t exist) regarding former Miss Universe Alicia Machado as the media being too focused on “he said this, he tweeted that.”
RUSSIA: On Trump’s dangerous admiration of Putin’s Russia, Pence offered the head-shaking assertion that it was “inarguable” that Putin has been a stronger leader than President Obama and compared Trump’s encouragement of Russia to hack Hillary Clinton’s emails to an Abraham Lincoln quote.
BIRTHERISM: Governor Pence defended Trump’s leading role in the birther conspiracy theory, saying Trump “brought that issue to an end this week” after Trump’s one-sentence admission and, in the same week, Trump refused to admit President Obama was born in Hawaii.
OBAMA FOUNDED ISIS: Pence has defended Trump’s assertion that Obama founded ISIS and Trump’s support for bringing back waterboarding, saying–without proof–“enhanced interrogation saved lives.”
ENCOURAGING VIOLENCE: Pence has tried to explain away Trump’s insinuation of violence against Clinton with his comment that “Second Amendment people” could do something about Clinton picking judges and Clinton’s secret service protection should disarm and “see what happens to her.”
POLICE POLICIES AND GUN VIOLENCE: Pence defended Trump’s call for profiling, calling it “common sense,” claimed Trump is “on a sound constitutional footing” with his stop-and-frisk proposal (not true), and defended Trump for politicizing the shooting death of NBA player Dwyane Wade’s cousin.
SKITTLES: He defended Donald Trump Jr.’s tweet comparing Syrian refugees to poisoned Skittles, saying he was simply using a “metaphor” and condescendingly said it was “remarkable to see the level of outrage” about the tweet.
While Trump continues to make headlines for his disparaging, offensive comments about women, Mike Pence’s record expands upon this disrespect for women. Perhaps more than any other Republican politician in the recent past, Pence has fought to undermine women’s access to health care services on both the national level and in Indiana. In 2011, Politico even declared that “Nobody hates Planned Parenthood quite as much as Mike Pence.”
Pence has a long history of trying to take down Planned Parenthood in his larger campaign to take away a woman’s right to choose. He has said he wants to send Roe v. Wade “to the ash heap of history where it belongs.” Pence signed into Indiana law earlier this year a bill that would ban women from seeking abortion based on a fetal diagnosis of physical or mental disability and require women to seek funerary services for a fetus, no matter if an abortion or miscarriage, at any point in time in the pregnancy. The law was blocked by a federal judge in June 2016.
In Congress, Pence was the defacto leader of efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and eliminate the Title X program, which provides family planning and reproductive health funding. In 2011, Politico wrote Mike Pence was “on a one-man crusade to deny all federal funding to [Planned Parenthood]—not just the money it gets for reproductive health and family planning services, but every penny it gets for anything.” He sponsored legislation that would make it legal for hospitals to deny abortions to pregnant women with life-threatening conditions and supported a federal ban on abortions after 20 weeks. He cosponsored a bill that would redefine certain rape cases as “forcible rape,” redefining “rape” in the case of federal funding for abortions in case of “forcible” rape only.
Donald Trump’s repeated refrain to the religious right is a promise that he will protect religious freedom by repealing the Johnson Amendment. His running mate is right in line with Trump’s extreme agenda, having already taking action in the name of “religious freedom” in 2015. Governor Mike Pence signed into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 2015 and with it, exacted LGBT discrimination. The widely-condemned law alienated the Republican governor’s natural allies in the business community, drew national condemnation and deeply embarrassed the Hoosier state. Throughout the scandal, Pence displayed an almost Trump-like level of disingenuousness and dishonesty. In one devastating interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, Pence refused to answer six yes-or-no questions about whether the law legalized discrimination against the LGBT community.
Pence at first said he would not support legislation to clean up the mess he made, was “knowingly disingenuous” when trying to compare Indiana’s law to those passed in other states, and finally supported a bill to “clarify” RFRA after an uproar from Indiana business and community leaders and other governors and mayors banned taxpayer-funded travel to Indiana.
Discriminating against the LGBT community was nothing new for Governor Pence. When in Congress, he cosponsored an amendment to the Constitution that would ban same-sex marriage, voted against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and against the Matthew Shepard Act in 2007 and 2009. During his first successful run for Congress in 2000, his campaign said “Homosexuality is incompatible with military service because the presence of homosexuals in the ranks weakens unit cohesion.”
It’s no surprise Pence is “very supportive” of Trump’s proposed ban of Muslims from coming to the U.S. In 2015, Governor Pence announced he was suspending the resettlement of all Syrian refugees in Indiana. Religious leaders defied the Governor. The Archbishop of Indianapolis, Joseph Tobin, met with the Pence to hear his concerns but defied his ban, declaring Catholic Charities would welcome a family of four from Syria anyway. This ban was challenged in court by the ACLU and blocked by a federal judge on the grounds that it “clearly discriminates” against Syrian refugees.
Pence honed his anti-immigrant agenda while serving in Congress. He said it was “wrong” to oppose Arizona’s “papers, please” immigration law, sponsored legislation that would end birthright citizenship, opposed a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and sponsored a bill to declare English the official language of the United States. He even introduced an immigration plan that would push undocumented immigrants to “self-deport.”
Trump disparages members of the media nearly every day, whether through going after certain newspapers or networks or encouraging rally attendees to boo reporters covering his events. This concerning lack of respect for a free and open press is something Governor Pence can relate to. In 2015, Governor Pence tried to launch a state-run news service in Indiana that earned the nickname “Pravda on the Plains.” His state-run taxpayer-funded news outlet was going to produce pre-written news stories and even break news about the Pence administration. Not surprisingly, Pence was forced to drop the project after planning documents were leaked to the Indianapolis Star.
]]>Ted Cruz: “The overwhelming majority of violent criminals are Democrats.” “Now listen, here’s the simple and undeniable fact. The overwhelming majority of violent criminals are Democrats. The media doesn’t report that. What they report, and there’s a reason why the Democrats for years have been viewed as soft on crime, because they go in and they appoint to the bench judges who release violent criminals. They go in, and they do what Barack Obama tried to do, which is appoint a lawyer voluntarily represented for free, a cop killer, to a senior Justice Department position. They go in and fight to give the right to vote to convicted felons. Why? Because the Democrats know convicted felons tend to vote Democrat.” [Hugh Hewitt Show, 11/30/15]
Washington Post: “Cruz is wildly off base… He can’t prove what he claims.” “Cruz is wildly off base when he claims that across the United States the ‘overwhelming majority of violent criminals are Democrats.’ The data that are the source of his statement were based on the party registrations of mostly black and Hispanic prisoners in just three states — and do not make a distinction between violent and nonviolent felons. In other words, the study does not show what Cruz claimed; in fact the authors specifically rejected his statement as a misinterpretation of their findings. He can’t prove what he claims with such great certainty and thus earns Four Pinocchios.” [Washington Post, 12/1/15]
Ted Cruz said that Planned Parenthood was “profiting from the buying and selling of the body parts of babies.” “I encourage my colleagues to continue to fight to defund this organization that places more value on the sale price of babies’ body parts than it does on the sanctity of human life. We should not rest until we have done everything in our power to protect the life of unborn children. Ensuring no additional federal dollars go to the abortion industry or Planned Parenthood is a good place to start. This is why it is critical that we stand together to insist that not another dollar of our hard-earned money goes to a group profiting from the buying and selling of the body parts of babies.” [Senator Ted Cruz press release, 8/3/15]
Investigations in 12 states cleared Planned Parenthood of charges that it profited off of the sale of fetal tissue. “Planned Parenthood acknowledges that one of its clinics in each of two states – Washington and California – supplies fetal tissue to researchers but says they comply with federal law barring a financial profit from the transactions. […] A medical ethicist tells us those fees seem to be a ‘reasonable’ reimbursement for the cost of supplying the tissue. An investigation by Washington’s attorney general cleared Planned Parenthood of charges it was profiting from the sales in that state. Investigations in 11 other states also have cleared the organization.” [PolitiFact, 2/8/16]
Ted Cruz: “Obamacare…is the biggest job-killer in this country.” CRUZ: “We have seen now in six years of Obamacare that it has been a disaster. It is the biggest job-killer in this country. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs, have been forced into part-time work, have lost their health insurance, have lost their doctors, have seen their premiums skyrocket.” [Republican presidential debate, 1/28/16]
PolitiFact: “By every measure, millions more people are working and millions fewer are stuck unwillingly in part-time work since the time the Affordable Care Act became law.” “Cruz said that Obamacare cost the country millions of jobs and had forced millions into working part-time. The government’s employment surveys show no sign of that occurring. By every measure, millions more people are working and millions fewer are stuck unwillingly in part-time work since the time the Affordable Care Act became law. The law might have affected part-time work for certain kinds of people, but that didn’t change the improvement in the overall numbers. Many of these numbers, especially the well-reported unemployment rate, are readily available and independent economic studies uncovered no sign that job growth has suffered at all under the new health care law. Cruz turned familiar data upside down. We rate this claim Pants on Fire.” [PolitiFact, 1/29/16]
Associated Press: “Since the time Obama signed the health care law in March 2010, the nation’s jobless rate has fallen from 9.9 percent to 5 percent. The economy has added more than 13 million jobs over that period.” “Lost jobs? Since the time Obama signed the health care law in March 2010, the nation’s jobless rate has fallen from 9.9 percent to 5 percent. The economy has added more than 13 million jobs over that period. Lost insurance? The share of Americans without coverage reached a historic low of 9 percent last year, according to the government’s National Health Interview Survey. More than 16 million people gained coverage since 2013, just before the law’s big coverage expansion got underway.” [Associated Press, 1/29/16]
Ted Cruz claimed that data shows that climate change “ain’t happening.” “At an August event In California’s Orange County, Cruz told an interviewer, ‘If you look at satellite data for the last 18 years, there’s been zero warming. … The satellite says it ain’t happening.’” [Associated Press, 11/22/15]
Satellite data shows continued warming over the past several decades. “Florida State University’s James Elsner said ground data show every decade has been warmer than the last since the middle of the 20th century and satellite data-based observations ‘show continued warming over the past several decades.’ In fact, federal ground-based data, which scientists said is more reliable than satellites, show that 15 of the 17 years after 1997 have been warmer than 1997 and 2015 is on track to top 2014 as the warmest year on record.” [Associated Press, 11/22/15]
A climate scientist determined that Ted Cruz “understands less about science (and climate change) than the average kindergartner.” “Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas had the lowest score, an average of 6. All eight put Cruz at the bottom of the class. ‘This individual understands less about science (and climate change) than the average kindergartner,’ Michael Mann, a Pennsylvania State University meteorology professor, wrote of Cruz’s statements. ‘That sort of ignorance would be dangerous in a doorman, let alone a president.’” [Associated Press, 11/22/15]
Ted Cruz lied about the federal government forcing school districts “to let boys shower with little girls.” “Cruz said the ‘federal government is going after school districts, trying to force them to let boys shower with little girls.’ Cruz’s vision of schoolboys everywhere showering with girls grossly distorts the issue. The fact is the Obama administration has sided with transgender students seeking access to school facilities including locker rooms, holding that anything less would violate federal anti-discrimination requirements. Such conflicts — few and far between — haven’t had to do with the government wanting boys to shower with girls. We rate the claim False.” [PolitiFact, 12/4/15]
]]>“By selecting Mike Pence as his running mate, Donald Trump has found someone just as toxic and extreme as himself. In Indiana, Pence signed bills legalizing discrimination against LGBT Hoosiers and taking rights away from women. He gutted wages for skilled workers and dislikes transparency so much he tried to create his own state-run news outlet. Like Trump, Pence’s potent combination of divisiveness has embarrassed voters, angered Republican leaders and alienated the business community. By choosing Pence, Trump has continued his campaign’s strategy of pitting Americans against each other.”
For contrast, look to Hillary Clinton. She’s preaching love, kindness and a movement to unify the country; while the GOP spouts divisive rhetoric like promises to build a wall and make Mexico pay for it and staunch opposition to any real path to citizenship.
Donald Trump: “No citizenship.” [CNN’s New Day, 7/30/15]
Ted Cruz: “I think a path to citizenship for those who are here illegally is profoundly unfair.” [Washington Post, 7/21/13]
Marco Rubio ruled out a path to citizenship during his presidency. [Bloomberg,9/22/15]
John Kasich: “I’m not for giving anybody a path to citizenship here.” [Fox News’ Hannity, 12/30/15]
]]>Marco Rubio: “It doesn’t exist. There is no federal constitutional right to same sex marriage. There isn’t such a right. You have to have a ridiculous and absurd reading of the U.S. constitution to reach the conclusion that people have a right to marry someone of the same sex.” [The Brody File, 4/26/15]
Ted Cruz: “Cruz warned of the dangers of gay marriage a month after the Supreme Court decision in a July 2013 interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network. ‘If you look at other nations that have gone down the road towards gay marriage, that’s the next step where it gets enforced,’ he said. ‘It gets enforced against Christian pastors who decline to perform gay marriages, who speak out and preach biblical truths on marriage.’” [Huffington Post, 2/3/14]
Donald Trump: On CNN’s State of the Union in this past summer, Trump stated he was for “traditional marriage.”
John Kasich: Kasich opposed both same-sex marriage and civil unions.
]]>WHICH REPUBLICAN HOPEFULS OPPOSE GAY MARRIAGE?
| Ben Carson:
“In response to a question by Sean Hannity about his views on gay marriage, Ben Carson said, ‘Well, my thoughts are that marriage is between a man and a woman. It’s a well-established, fundamental pillar of society and no group, be they gays, be they NAMBLA, be they people who believe in bestiality. It doesn’t matter what they are. They don’t get to change the definition.’” [Slate, 3/28/13] |
Marco Rubio:
“It doesn’t exist. There is no federal constitutional right to same sex marriage. There isn’t such a right. You have to have a ridiculous and absurd reading of the U.S. constitution to reach the conclusion that people have a right to marry someone of the same sex.” [The Brody File,4/26/15] |
Ted Cruz:
“Cruz warned of the dangers of gay marriage a month after the Supreme Court decision in a July 2013 interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network. ‘If you look at other nations that have gone down the road towards gay marriage, that’s the next step where it gets enforced,’ he said. ‘It gets enforced against Christian pastors who decline to perform gay marriages, who speak out and preach biblical truths on marriage.’” [Huffington Post, 2/3/14] |
AND THE REST? THEY’RE ALL THE SAME.
Donald Trump: On CNN’s State of the Union in this past summer, Trump stated he was for “traditional marriage.”
Jeb Bush: In a campaign press release, Bush wrote, “Guided by my faith, I believe in traditional marriage.”
John Kasich: Kasich opposed both same-sex marriage and civil unions.
]]>Hillary Clinton proudly celebrated this step forward for our country. As Hillary said today, our nation is at its best when we are “inclusive, open, and striving towards true equality.” Now is the time to celebrate a hard-fought victory for marriage equality and gay and lesbian couples across the country.
Jeb Bush: “I believe in traditional marriage.” “Guided by my faith, I believe in traditional marriage. I believe the Supreme Court should have allowed the states to make this decision. I also believe that we should love our neighbor and respect others, including those making lifetime commitments. In a country as diverse as ours, good people who have opposing views should be able to live side by side. It is now crucial that as a country we protect religious freedom and the right of conscience and also not discriminate.” [Jeb Bush campaign, 6/26/15]
Jeb Bush “rejected” the characterization that he was a “gay-friendly Republican.” “If Bush runs for president, some of his closest aides will be individuals who are strong public supporters of legalizing same-sex marriage. The hires, reported BuzzFeed, led to some chatter among Republicans that Bush could position himself as ‘the gay-friendly Republican in the 2016 field.’ Bush, however, rejected that characterization Friday at the Conservative Political Action Conference during his conversation with Fox News host Sean Hannity. ‘No. I believe in traditional marriage,’ said Bush when Hannity asked him whether he’s changing his position on the issue.” [Huffington Post, 2/27/15]
Jeb Bush considered supporting an amendment to the Florida constitution banning same-sex marriage. “Gov. Jeb Bush said Friday night he’s moving away from a longstanding position that there’s no need for a constitutional ban on same-sex marriages. At a fundraiser for the Florida Family Policy Council, a conservative group that backs such a ban, Bush said courts in other states overturning laws banning gay marriages have led him to the conclusion that a change to the Florida Constitution might be necessary. ‘We may be at that point in our state,’ he said.” [Orlando Sentinel, 5/20/06]
Jeb Bush: “Traditional marriage is what should be sanctioned.” “Of course, he also looked to Obama for leadership and pointed out the obvious, that it’s a wedge issue that helps Democrats, so it’s politically easier to demonize the GOP on immigration than to try to come to a compromise and fix the system. On same-sex marriage, Bush didn’t hide from his conservative belief that ‘traditional marriage is what should be sanctioned,’ but ‘not at the expense of discriminating other forms of family structure.’” [Miami Herald, 6/9/12]
Ben Carson said that “marriage is between a man and a woman” and compared supporters of marriage equality to “people who believe in bestiality.” “In response to a question by Sean Hannity about his views on gay marriage, Ben Carson said, ‘Well, my thoughts are that marriage is between a man and a woman. It’s a well-established, fundamental pillar of society and no group, be they gays, be they NAMBLA, be they people who believe in bestiality. It doesn’t matter what they are. They don’t get to change the definition.’” [Slate, 3/28/13]
Chris Christie vetoed a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey. “Same-sex marriage proponents were dealt a setback Friday, though not an unexpected one, when Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bill that would let gay couples marry. Roughly six hours after the bill arrived at his desk, Christie issued a conditional veto, asking lawmakers to instead ‘create a strong ombudsman for civil unions to carry on New Jersey’s strong tradition of tolerance and fairness.’ The Republican governor had long promised a veto. He said changes to the marriage law should be done only if approved by voters through a statewide vote, not through an act by lawmakers.” [Asbury Park Press, 2/17/12]
Chris Christie waged a losing legal battle to block marriage equality in New Jersey. “Christie dropped a legal fight to block same-sex marriage in New Jersey in 2013 after the State Supreme Court indicated it would not stop the unions, saying now: ‘Yeah, it is a settled issue in New Jersey.’ ‘When I know that I’ve been defeated you don’t bang your head against a wall and spend taxpayer money to do it,’ he said, explaining his decision. ‘Absent a change in the legislature, I think at the moment it’s settled law in New Jersey.’” [TIME, 7/12/14]
Chris Christie said New Jersey had settled on the gay marriage issue, but the majority of the country had not. “Christie said that same-sex marriage ‘is a settled issue’ in New Jersey but that the rest of the country would resolve it in time. ‘Do I think it’s resolved now? No,’ he said. ‘The overwhelming majority of states in the country still ban same-sex marriage, so I don’t think it’s time to stop having a discussion.’” [Associated Press,7/12/14]
Christie said the country should continue to debate gay marriage. “Christie said that same-sex marriage ‘is a settled issue’ in New Jersey but that the rest of the country would resolve it in time. ‘Do I think it’s resolved now? No,’ he said. ‘The overwhelming majority of states in the country still ban same-sex marriage, so I don’t think it’s time to stop having a discussion.’” [Associated Press, 7/12/14]
Chris Christie said he would not change his mind on same-sex marriage even if one of his children was gay. “Christie and Buono also clashed on marriage equality. Asked how he would react if any of his children told him they were gay, Christie maintained his opposition to legalizing same-sex marriage. ‘If my children came to me and said they were gay I would grab them and hug them and tell them I love them,’ Christie said. ‘I would also tell them that your dad believes that marriage is between one man and one woman.’” [Newark Star-Ledger 10/16/13]
Ted Cruz said a Supreme Court ruling in favor of marriage equality was “naked and lawless judicial activism.” “Sen. Ted Cruz, another Republican candidate for president, warned in a speech Thursday of a deliberate attempt by Democrats to impose ‘mandatory gay marriage in all 50 states.’ ‘I would encourage everyone here to be lifting up in prayer that [the Supreme Court] not engage in an act of naked and lawless judicial activism tearing down the marriage laws adopted pursuant to the Constitution,’ Cruz said.” [RealClearPolitics, 6/19/15]
Ted Cruz “warned of the dangers of gay marriage.” “Cruz warned of the dangers of gay marriage a month after the Supreme Court decision in a July 2013 interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network. ‘If you look at other nations that have gone down the road towards gay marriage, that’s the next step where it gets enforced,’ he said. ‘It gets enforced against Christian pastors who decline to perform gay marriages, who speak out and preach biblical truths on marriage.’” [Huffington Post, 2/13/14]
Ted Cruz introduced legislation that would allow states to define marriage. “It seems Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has taken up a new cause in Congress — defending states’ right to regulate marriage. Amid a wave of court decisions striking down anti-gay marriage laws in states, the Texas Republican introduced a bill to the Senate Wednesday to amend U.S. law ‘with regard to the definition of ‘marriage’ and ‘spouse’ for Federal purposes and to ensure respect for State regulation of marriage.’” [Huffington Post, 2/13/14]
Carly Fiorina opposed the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of marriage equality. “This is only the latest example of an activist Court ignoring its constitutional duty to say what the law is and not what the law should be. Justice Alito spoke for so many of us when he said that ‘[t]oday’s decision usurps the constitutional right of the people to decide whether to keep or alter the traditional understanding of marriage…All Americans, whatever their thinking on that issue, should worry about what the majority’s claim of power portends.’ The Court ruled today that all Americans should receive equal benefits and rights from the government under the law. I have always supported this view. However, this decision was also about the definition of marriage itself. I do not agree that the Court can or should redefine marriage. I believe that responsibility should have remained with states and voters where this conversation has continued in churches, town halls and living rooms around the country.” [Carly Fiorina statement, 6/26/15]
Carly Fiorina opposed marriage equality and supported California’s Proposition 8 referendum that banned same-sex marriage. “Carly Fiorina cited President Obama’s opposition to same-sex marriage to substantiate her belief that ‘marriage is between a man and a woman’ and moderate her support for Proposition 8: I do believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, but also have been consistent and clear that I support civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. The Defense of Marriage Act had broad bipartisan support. And actually, the position I’ve consistently espoused is consistent with that of our President and a vast majority of senators in the U.S. Senate…The voters were quite clear about their views on this [Proposition 8] and this is now going through a legal process.” [Think Progress, 9/1/10]
Lindsey Graham: “I believe in traditional marriage.” “The piece quotes quite a few lawmakers who aren’t willing to endorse marriage equality – including alleged champions of civil liberties like Rand Paul – but my personal favorite came from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.): ‘I believe in traditional marriage – between a man and a woman, without animosity. I don’t mind if people are able to transfer their property, visit their loved ones in hospitals, but marriage to me, I’ve stayed with the concept of traditional marriage.’” [MSNBC, 3/21/13]
Lindsey Graham compared marriage equality to polygamy. “During Loretta Lynch’s confirmation hearing Wednesday, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) tried to take the attorney general nominee down the slippery-slope argument often made against the marriage equality movement by inquiring what the legal difference is between marriage of same-sex couples and that of three or more people. ‘What is the legal difference between a state — a ban on same-sex marriage being unconstitutional but a ban on polygamy being constitutional?’ he inquired at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. ‘Could you try to articulate how one could be banned under the Constitution and the other not?’” [Huffington Post, 1/28/15]
Mike Huckabee said the Supreme Court ruling in favor of marriage equality was an “irrational, unconstitutional…flawed, failed decision.” “The Supreme Court has spoken with a very divided voice on something only the Supreme Being can do-redefine marriage. I will not acquiesce to an imperial court any more than our Founders acquiesced to an imperial British monarch. We must resist and reject judicial tyranny, not retreat. This ruling is not about marriage equality, it’s about marriage redefinition. This irrational, unconstitutional rejection of the expressed will of the people in over 30 states will prove to be one of the court’s most disastrous decisions, and they have had many. The only outcome worse than this flawed, failed decision would be for the President and Congress, two co-equal branches of government, to surrender in the face of this out-of-control act of unconstitutional, judicial tyranny. The Supreme Court can no more repeal the laws of nature and nature’s God on marriage than it can the law of gravity. Under our Constitution, the court cannot write a law, even though some cowardly politicians will wave the white flag and accept it without realizing that they are failing their sworn duty to reject abuses from the court. If accepted by Congress and this President, this decision will be a serious blow to religious liberty, which is the heart of the First Amendment.” [Mike Huckabee statement, 6/26/15]
Mike Huckabee said the U.S. would “pay the consequences” for allowing same-sex couples to marry. “Huckabee drew a parallel between the struggle against abortion rights and the right’s battle against equality for same-sex couples. Calling straights-only marriage ‘the foundation of our society and culture,’ Huckabee warned that by allowing same-sex couples to get married, ‘we will pay the consequences for having upended the very foundation which is the essence of how a civilization survives.’ ‘So the soul of America is in real trouble,’ he concluded.” [Salon, 11/25/14]
Mike Huckabee signed onto “a pledge condemning same-sex parents and marriage equality.” “Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum are the only two Republican presidential candidates who have signed on to a pledge condemning same-sex parents and marriage equality, authored by the Texas pastor who recently promised to burn himself alive if the Supreme Court rules in favor of marriage equality, according to U.K. LGBT outlet Pink News. Republican presidential hopefuls Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum both signed on to the ever-growing ‘pledge in solidarity to defend marriage,’ which claims that ‘marriage as existing solely between one man and one woman precedes civil government.’ The pledge, first reported by The Advocate June 15, goes on to (inaccurately) claim that ‘no civil institution, including the United States Supreme Court or any court, has authority to redefine marriage.’ That’s an argument both Huckabee and Santorum have advanced with increasing frequency as the high court nears a decision that could bring marriage equality to all 50 states by the end of the month.” [The Advocate, 6/23/15]
Mike Huckabee said that as president “he would simply ignore any Supreme Court decision in favor of marriage equality.” “Yesterday, Mike Huckabee chatted with Iowa radio host Steve Deace and Religious Right organizer Bob Vander Plaats, who led Huckabee’s 2008 campaign in the first-in-the-nation caucus state, about the Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling on gay marriage. He said that if elected president, he would simply ignore any Supreme Court decision in favor of marriage equality until Congress passed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide…which he would then veto. ‘Until the Congress of the United States puts on my desk a bill that basically defies the laws of Nature and Nature’s God and defies the longstanding tradition of marriage, the federal government will not recognize same-sex marriage because there is no law that requires it and that would be true for the military and it would be true for all federal institutions,’ Huckabee said. ‘If the Congress decides that they want to pass enabling legislation, they could put it on my desk and I would veto it, and they can attempt to override it. That’s the process.’” [Right Wing Watch, 6/23/15]
Bobby Jindal said the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of marriage equality paved “the way for an all out assault against the religious freedom rights of Christians.” “The Supreme Court decision today conveniently and not surprisingly follows public opinion polls, and tramples on states’ rights that were once protected by the 10th Amendment of the Constitution. Marriage between a man and a woman was established by God, and no earthly court can alter that. This decision will pave the way for an all out assault against the religious freedom rights of Christians who disagree with this decision. This ruling must not be used as pretext by Washington to erode our right to religious liberty.” [Bobby Jindal press release, 6/26/15]
Bobby Jindal said he wanted to leave “the matter of marriage to the states.” “Jindal, too, appears to be heading in the same direction. In response to the Supreme Court’s DOMA ruling last year he said, ‘I believe every child deserves a mom and a dad. This opinion leaves the matter of marriage to the states where people can decide. In Louisiana, we will opt for traditional marriage. How about we let the people decide for themselves, via their representatives and via referendum?’ The lawsuits in the U.S. District Court challenging Louisiana’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage remain in their early stages. Gov. Bobby Jindal, R-La., will likely appeal any court decision allowing same-sex marriage in his state. Jindal, who supported a gay marriage ban as a congressman, would likely support an appeal if the plaintiffs are successful. ‘I believe in traditional marriage,’ Jindal told U.S. News in an email. ‘I realize that public opinion on this may be changing, but unlike President [Barack] Obama and Hillary Clinton, I’m not a weather vane who ‘evolves’ with the polls.’” [US News & World Report, 7/14/14]
Bobby Jindal opposed same-sex marriage and said that states had the right to reject same-sex marriage. “During a speech in California last week, Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana defended the rights of states to reject gay marriage as a matter of faith. He calls the legal battles an assault on the freedom of religion. ‘It is a war — a silent war — but it is a war against religious liberty. This war is waged in our courts and in the halls of political power,’ Jindal says.” [NPR, 2/20/14]
John Kasich opposed both same-sex marriage and civil unions. “Ohio Gov. John Kasich revealed on Wednesday that he supports civil unions for same-sex couples. But don’t quote him on that. A spokesman for the Republican governor said Thursday that Kasich misspoke when he expressed support for the legal partnerships. The truth is, he doesn’t. ‘The governor’s position is unchanged,’ Kasich’s spokesman Rob Nichols said Thursday in a statement. ‘He opposes gay marriage and opposes changing Ohio’s constitution to allow for civil unions.’” [Cleveland Plain Dealer, 3/21/13]
Rand Paul lamented the “moral crisis that allows people to think that there would be some sort of other marriage” in addition to “traditional” marriage. “At a prayer breakfast in Washington, D.C. on Thursday morning, Rand Paul practiced pandering. The senator from Kentucky will announce that he is running for president in less than two weeks, and it seems the pressure to be all things to all people is resulting in the breakdown of his political brand, with the latest example being his newly articulated position on marriage. He conceded to the evangelical crowd, which included Dr. Jerry Johnson, CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters, that there is a ‘moral crisis in our country’ and more specifically, ‘a moral crisis that allows people to think that there would be some sort of other marriage’ in addition to heterosexual, or ‘traditional,’ marriage.” [Daily Beast, 3/28/15]
Rand Paul said he believed the issue of gay marriage should be left to states; said the GOP should “agree to disagree” on the issue. “Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., told ABC News he believes the Supreme Court ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act was appropriate, and that the issue should be left to the states. He praised Justice Anthony Kennedy for avoiding ‘a cultural war.’ ‘As a country we can agree to disagree,’ Paul said today, stopping for a moment to talk as he walked through the Capitol. ‘As a Republican Party, that’s kind of where we are as well. The party is going to have to agree to disagree on some of these issues.’ The comments from Paul, a likely GOP presidential candidate in 2016, highlight how the party’s field could divide over gay marriage. Many Republicans have been unusually muted in their reactions to the Supreme Court rulings today. Paul said he agreed with Kennedy, whom he called ‘someone who doesn’t just want to be in front of opinion but wants government to keep up with opinion.’ He said Kennedy ‘tried to strike a balance.’” [ABC News, 6/26/13]
Rand Paul: “I think marriage should be taken care of at the state level.” According to the Courier Journal, Paul stated: “I think marriage should be taken care of at the state level.” [The Courier Journal, 10/19/09]
Rick Perry criticized the legal decision that declared Texas’ ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. “Texas Gov. Rick Perry criticized the ruling made Wednesday by a federal judge in his state striking down the ban on same-sex marriage. ‘This is yet another attempt to achieve via the courts what couldn’t be achieved at the ballot box,’ the Republican governor said in a statement. ‘We will continue to fight for the rights of Texans to self-determine the laws of our state.’ The state’s ban on same-sex marriage was deemed unconstitutional by Judge Orlando Garcia, who will continue to allow the ban to be enforced, pending an appeal. The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by two gay couples challenging a constitutional amendment and law, according to the Associated Press.” [Politico, 2/26/14]
Rick Perry compared homosexuality to alcoholism. “Republican Texas Gov. Rick Perry reportedly compared gay people to alcoholism at an event in San Francisco on Wednesday. The moderator at the Commonwealth Club of California asked him if he considered homosexuality to be a disorder, according to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle. ‘Whether or not you feel compelled to follow a particular lifestyle or not, you have the ability to decide not to do that,’ Perry allegedly said. ‘I may have the genetic coding that I’m inclined to be an alcoholic, but I have the desire not to do that, and I look at the homosexual issue the same way.’” [MSNBC, 6/12/14]
Marco Rubio opposed same sex marriage and lamented the “growing intolerance” toward people “who continue to support traditional marriage.” “‘There is a growing intolerance on this issue, intolerance of those who continue to support traditional marriage,’ the Florida Republican senator and potential 2016 presidential contender told a standing-room only crowd. ‘Even before this speech is over, I’ll be attacked as a hater or bigot. Or someone who’s anti-gay. This intolerance in the name of tolerance is hypocrisy. Supporting the definition of marriage as one man and one woman, is not anti-gay. It is pro-traditional marriage’…Rubio, who supports marriage between a man and a woman, spent more than five-minutes of half-hour address wading into the thorny issue of same-sex marriage. His comments reflect the GOP’s struggle to find a position on an issue that enjoys growing public support — including from a handful of Republicans in Congress — but often alienates the party’s conservative base.” [Politico, 7/23/14]
Marco Rubio recorded a call for the National Organization for Marriage in support of traditional marriage. “Neither the National Organization for Marriage’s Brian Brown nor a spokesman from the Family Research Council — two organizations that strongly support a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex couples from marrying — responded Wednesday to BuzzFeed’s request for comment on Rubio’s remarks about marriage. (Just prior to the November 2012 election, Rubio recorded a call for NOM in support of marriage remaining limited to one man and one woman.)” [BuzzFeed, 2/6/13]
Rick Santorum opposed same-sex marriage and compared legalizing same-sex marriage to legalizing polygamy. “Asked by a college student why he opposed the right of same-sex couples to wed, he responded that there was no compelling reason to allow it and suggested that it was akin to legalizing polygamy. ‘So, everybody has the right to be happy?’ he said. ‘So, if you’re not happy unless you’re married to five other people, is that OK?’ Santorum’s logic provoked an outcry from the audience, which was made up primarily of local college students but also a number of local conservative voters who were there to support the surging presidential candidate.” [Washington Post, 1/5/12]
Rick Santorum likened same-sex marriage to bestiality and pedophilia, arguing the definition of marriage does not include homosexuality, “man on child, man on dog, or whatever the case may be.” “Every society in the history of man has upheld the institution of marriage as a bond between a man and a woman. Why? Because society is based on one thing: that society is based on the future of the society. And that’s what? Children. Monogamous relationships. In every society, the definition of marriage has not ever to my knowledge included homosexuality. That’s not to pick on homosexuality. It’s not, you know, man on child, man on dog, or whatever the case may be. It is one thing.” [USA Today, 4/23/03]
Rick Santorum signed onto “a pledge condemning same-sex parents and marriage equality.” “Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum are the only two Republican presidential candidates who have signed on to a pledge condemning same-sex parents and marriage equality, authored by the Texas pastor who recently promised to burn himself alive if the Supreme Court rules in favor of marriage equality, according to U.K. LGBT outlet Pink News. Republican presidential hopefuls Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum both signed on to the ever-growing ‘pledge in solidarity to defend marriage,’ which claims that ‘marriage as existing solely between one man and one woman precedes civil government.’ The pledge, first reported by The Advocate June 15, goes on to (inaccurately) claim that ‘no civil institution, including the United States Supreme Court or any court, has authority to redefine marriage.’ That’s an argument both Huckabee and Santorum have advanced with increasing frequency as the high court nears a decision that could bring marriage equality to all 50 states by the end of the month.” [The Advocate, 6/23/15]
Scott Walker proposed an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to “reaffirm the ability of the states to continue to define marriage.” “I believe this Supreme Court decision is a grave mistake. […] As a result of this decision, the only alternative left for the American people is to support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to reaffirm the ability of the states to continue to define marriage.” [Scott Walker statement, 6/26/15]
Scott Walker supported a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. “The other day, Scott Walker declared that if the Supreme Court rules for a Constitutional right to same-sex marriage, he’d support a Constitutional amendment allowing states to ban it. This stance would not have been surprising coming from Mike Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, or Ted Cruz. But coming from a self-styled reform governor who represents a new generation of leaders, it turned a lot of talking heads.” [Washington Post, 6/11/15]
Scott Walker supported a proposed amendment to the Wisconsin state constitution to ban gay marriage and civil unions. “Wisconsin voters will decide in November whether to amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage and civil unions after the proposal cleared its final hurdle in the Republican-controlled Legislature Tuesday evening. […] The two Republicans seeking their party’s nomination for governor U.S. Rep. Mark Green and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker both support the ban.” [Associated Press, 3/1/06]
Scott Walker stood by the state’s constitutional ban on gay marriage. “Barrett also voiced his support for gay marriage, while Walker said he stands by the state’s constitutional ban on gay marriages passed in 2006.” [Associated Press, 5/26/12]
Scott Walker said he still supported same-sex marriage ban even after federal judge had declared it unconstitutional. “Governor Scott Walker says he still supports the state’s ban on same sex marriage, even after Thursday’s appeals court ruling that the ban is unconstitutional. At a campaign stop in Eau Claire, Governor Walker said he and Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen will continue to defend the gay marriage ban. Walker says, ‘Until the U.S. Supreme Court either chooses not to take it up or were to rule that the law here and elsewhere is unconstitutional, we are still obligated to support the constitution as it was amended by the voters.’” [WKOW, 9/5/14]
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Making human rights a foreign policy priority.
Building on a lifetime of advocacy for human rights, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton affirmed that American foreign policy would “reflect our deep commitment to the cause of making human rights a reality for millions of oppressed people around the world.” One of Secretary Clinton’s first steps to secure human rights as a pillar of foreign policy was joining the United Nations Human Rights Council, reversing the Bush administration’s policy of shunning the organization. She pledged to focus her energy as Secretary of State on human rights and, through the Human Rights Council, the U.S. deepened international engagement on efforts to fight human rights violations.
Defending free expression and speech.
Hillary Clinton upheld that universal rights “include freedom of expression and freedom of belief, even if our words or beliefs denigrate the humanity of others. Yet, while we are each free to believe whatever we choose, we cannot do whatever we choose, not in a world where we protect the human rights of all.” She stood by those “who exercise their fundamental freedoms of expression and assembly in a peaceful way, whether in person, in print, or in pixels,” and fought powerfully for those who support expanding human rights and individuals working to advance democracy.
Upholding the fundamental freedom of the press.
Hillary Clinton hosted the first World Press Freedom Day by the U.S. to “champion those who stand for media freedom – and let us continue to expose those who deny it.” As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton went on Russian radio to express “support for independent media…at a time when free expression is under threat” and denounced the murders of journalists in Russia. She praised the “brave men and women” of independent media “who risk their lives every day to keep the rest of us informed, to keep governments accountable and societies more democratic, prosperous and successful.”
Promoting religious protection and tolerance.
Hillary Clinton underscored the responsibility governments have in standing up for the rights of all people as religious freedom is threatened. She challenged other countries, such as China, by calling for “protection of rights of minorities in Tibet and Xinxiang; for the rights to express oneself and worship freely.” In 2011, Hillary worked with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other nations to secure adoption of the U.N. Human Rights Council resolution “[c]ombating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief.”
Giving a voice to the vulnerable and marginalized.
Hillary Clinton launched an assistance fund for embattled nongovernmental organizations that supported much needed “legal representation, communication technologies like cell phones and internet access, and other forms of quick support.” She appointed the first Special Advisor for International Disability Rights to increase protection for “one group of people whose human rights are still denied in too many parts of the world today. In many ways, they are an invisible minority.” As Secretary of State, she spoke out against regimes who arbitrarily detain and arrest artists, activists, lawyers, and intellectuals in their countries.
Advocating globally for LGBT rights.
Hillary Clinton championed LGBT rights internationally and declared to the world that gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights. In partnership with other countries, she worked to support LGBT advocacy and pass the first United Nations resolution highlighting “the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.” As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton forcefully spoke out against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and denounced countries who criminalize homosexuality.
Setting an example internationally.
Hillary Clinton helped set an international example by participating in the U.N. Universal Periodic Review of America’s human rights record, stating, “By holding ourselves accountable, we reinforce our moral authority to demand that all governments adhere to obligations under international law.” Hillary also included the U.S. for the first time in a country report on human trafficking and helped launch a website to provide NGOs, scholars, and citizens with “information they need to hold governments accountable.”
Continuing work to make human rights a human reality.
When Hillary Clinton was asked what was next for her, she said, “I would go back to being a voice for the voiceless, standing up against conditions that just leech the life out of children and oppress women and prevent people from fulfilling their God-given potential.” In 2013, Hillary was honored by Jeb Bush for her public service and dedication “to serving and engaging people across the world in democracy.” She outlined a vision for the future where the U.S. can “show the world that free people and free markets, human rights and human dignity, respect for our fellow men and women, is our core strength.” Hillary launched efforts to address the “unfinished business of the 21st century” – seeking women’s full participation in society – and give future generations of Americans a chance at success.
]]>While Sec. Clinton was telling the world that gay rights were human rights, her message of LGBT equality started at home at the State Department. She strived to ensure the State Department was an LGBT-friendly place to work, extending several benefits to Foreign Service employees which served as a model for other agencies. Building on Sec. Clinton’s efforts, President Obama expanded federal benefits to “same-sex partners of Foreign Service and executive branch government employees.”
“Now, leaders of all kinds will stand in front of audiences like this and tell you that our most important asset is our people…But what our success truly depends on is our ability to forge strong relationships and relate to people of all backgrounds. And what that means for me, as your Secretary, is that creating an LGBT-welcoming workplace is not just the right thing to do, it’s also the smart thing to do.” -Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, 11/28/12
Implemented Policies to Make the State Department an LGBT-Friendly Workforce
Sec. Clinton directed the State Department’s equal employment opportunity policy to “explicitly protect against discriminatory treatment of employees and job applicants based on gender identity.”
In her book Hard Choices, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrote, “In 2010, I directed that the State Department’s equal employment opportunity policy explicitly protect against discriminatory treatment of employees and job applicants based on gender identity. We also made it easier for Americans to change the sex listed on their passport and made it possible for same-sex couples to obtain passports under the names recognized by their state through their marriage or civil union.” [Hard Choices, pg. 578, 2014]
Sec. Clinton updated State Department policy to offer equal benefits and protections to same-sex partners of American diplomats.
According to the New York Times, “The State Department will offer equal benefits and protections to same-sex partners of American diplomats, according to an internal memorandum Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sent last week to an association of gay and lesbian Foreign Service officers. Mrs. Clinton said the policy change addressed an inequity in the treatment of domestic partners and would help the State Department recruit diplomats, since many international employers already offered such benefits. ‘Like all families, our Foreign Service families come in different configurations; all are part of the common fabric of our post communities abroad,’ Mrs. Clinton said in the memorandum, a copy of which was provided to The New York Times by a member of the gay and lesbian association. ‘At bottom,’ she said, ‘the department will provide these benefits for both opposite-sex and same-sex partners because it is the right thing to do.’” [The New York Times, 5/23/09]
Sec. Clinton extended to the “partners of gay U.S. diplomats” many benefits, including visas and diplomatic passports.
According to the Washington Post, “Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will soon announce that the partners of gay U.S. diplomats are eligible for many benefits currently denied them and allowed to spouses of heterosexual diplomats, according to lawmakers and others advocating the change. […] Thus those partners were denied a wide array of benefits, such as paid travel to and from overseas posts, shipments of household effects, visas and diplomatic passports, emergency travel to visit ill or injured partners, and evacuation in case of a security emergency or medical necessity. Those benefits will be extended to all unmarried domestic partners — both same-sex and heterosexual — under the policy shift to be announced by Clinton in the coming days, according to a draft memo prepared for Clinton’s signature.” [Washington Post, 5/25/09]
Sec. Clinton ended regulations denying same-sex couples and families “the same rights and privileges” of straight diplomats, including use of U.S. medical facilities abroad.
According to the Associated Press, “In a notice to be sent soon to State Department employees, Clinton says regulations that denied same-sex couples and their families the same rights and privileges that straight diplomats enjoyed are ‘unfair and must end,’ as they harm U.S. diplomacy. ‘Providing training, medical care and other benefits to domestic partners promote the cohesiveness, safety and effectiveness of our posts abroad,’ she says in the message, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press. […] Among the benefits that will now be granted gay diplomats: the right of domestic partners to hold diplomatic passports, government-paid travel for their partners and families to and from foreign posts, and the use of U.S. medical facilities abroad.” [Associated Press, 5/24/09]
With Sec. Clinton’s “strong encouragement,” USAID became the first federal agency to publish a recruitment brochure targeting LGBT applicants.
In a presentation at the 20th anniversary celebration for GLIFAA, USAID Deputy Administrator Donald Steinberg said, “With the strong encouragement of the President and Secretary Clinton, we were the first federal agency to publish a recruitment brochure targeting LGBT applicants. Along with the State Department, we’ve adopted new regulations to provide full benefits for same-sex domestic partners for our various classes of employees. We’ve proudly sworn-in openly gay mission directors to lead key missions abroad, and we’re providing awards to those within our ranks who are leading the LGBT space. Our internal list-serve, LGBT Champions, provides a forum for 200 officials to address these issues. And we meet regularly with GLIFFA to seek your guidance and counsel.” [Donald Steinberg Presentation at the 20th Anniversary Celebration for GLIFAA, usaid.gov, 11/28/12]
Worked with LGBT Organizations to Strengthen Policies
Sec. Clinton recommended Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies (GLIFAA) for an award, applauding its “17 years of promoting equality in the federal workplace.”
According to a USAID press release, “GLIFAA membership consists of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT), and straight employees of U.S. federal agencies including USAID and the Department of State. As part of this award process, GLIFAA received letters of recommendation from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Representative Tammy Baldwin, and the Human Rights Campaign. Secretary Clinton applauded GLIFAA for 17 years of promoting equality in the federal workplace and acknowledged its influence in changing Department of State policy regarding same-sex partners of Foreign Service Officers. ‘This change in policy will increase morale and help us to retain our talented employees,’ said Clinton.” [“Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies Named Employee Resource Group of the Year,” usaid.gov, 10/9/09]
GLIFAA was the first federal employee organization to be named “Employee Resource Group (ERG) of the year by Out and Equal Workplace Advocates.”
According to a USAID press release, “Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies (GLIFAA) was named Employee Resource Group (ERG) of the year by Out and Equal Workplace Advocates. GILFAA is the first federal employee organization to receive an award from Out and Equal. Ajit Joshi, Program Director for United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance and Policy Director for GLIFAA, will accept the award on behalf of GLIFAA.” [“Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies Named Employee Resource Group of the Year,” usaid.gov, 10/9/09]
Recognized for Efforts to Advance LGBT Rights within the State Department
USAID Deputy Administrator Donald Steinberg: Sec. Clinton made it “easy to be an LGBT advocate within the State Department and USAID.”
According to USAID Deputy Administrator Donald Steinberg at the 20th anniversary celebration for GLIFAA, “It’s a great privilege to add my welcome to you at this celebration of Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies’ (GLIFFA) first two decades. I wanted to begin by thanking you, the activists and advocates who have stepped forward, often at great personal risk, to claim your rights and those of the LGBT community around the world. I also wanted to thank President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and Counselor Mills for making it easy to be an LGBT advocate within the State Department and USAID.” [Donald Steinberg Presentation at the 20th Anniversary Celebration for GLIFAA, usaid.gov, 11/28/12]
Amb. Rice: Sec. Clinton’s extension of benefits for LGBT State Department employees overseas “served as a model for similar changes on behalf of American LGBT staff of the UN Secretariat.”
According to the United States’ UN Ambassador Susan Rice’s statement on LGBT pride month, “The Obama Administration has taken active steps to honor this commitment, starting in the federal workforce. Last summer, the President extended benefits to same-sex domestic partners of U.S. Government federal employees. I am pleased that Secretary Clinton’s extension of benefits for overseas State Department employees has served as a model for similar changes on behalf of American LGBT staff of the UN Secretariat. Thanks to this work, the partners and families of many hard-working Americans serving abroad may now receive the benefits, training, and allowances that are increasingly the standard for world-class international civil servants. I am very proud of the contributions of LGBT employees in the foreign affairs agencies of the U.S. Government, and am pleased to see that these actions will support them as they continue their good work.” [Susan Rice Statement on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, usun.state.gov, 6/30/10]
GLIFAA Policy Director Ajit Joshi predicted that Sec. Clinton’s actions to extend benefits for LGBT Foreign Service staff “may have serious ‘domino-effect’ benefits for LGBT diplomats of other nations.”
According to a USAID press release, “GLIFAA’s successful influence on this policy came from its grass roots coalition of 2,200 people, 92% of whom were married to an opposite-sex spouse or single, and efforts on the Hill, the Administration, and LGBT organizations. [GLIFAA Policy Director Ajit] Joshi predicts that Secretary Clinton’s actions ‘may have serious “domino-effect” benefits for LGBT diplomats of other nations serving in the United States, LGBT immigrants, and LGBT government employees outside the State Department.’” [“Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies Named Employee Resource Group of the Year,” usaid.gov, 10/9/09]
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