Bernie Sanders
Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has been a long time supporter of the LGBT community. The Human Rights Campaign gave Sanders a rating of 100 percent in support of LGBT rights. He has voted against banning gay adoptions in Washington D.C., an amendment banning same-sex marriage and defining marriage as being only between a man and a woman.
“Now, you know, we have religious freedom. And I respect people who have different points of view. But my view is that people have a right to love each other, regardless of one’s sexual orientation. I voted against the DOMA act, the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, way back in 1996 that was signed by President Clinton, because I think, if people are in love, they should be able to get married in this country in 50 states in America. And I strongly support what the Supreme Court recently said [striking down DOMA].”
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton, D, has said that she supports same-sex marriage both personally and as a matter of policy and law. She has, however, experienced scrutiny for her husband’s support of the Defense of Marriage Act during his presidency, but claims the ‘90s were a less progressive time and that she has since then had a change of heart on the issue.
“We are living at a time when this extraordinary change is occurring and I’m proud of our country, but that was not the case [during the Clinton presidency]. I think that we have all evolved, and it’s been one of the fastest, most sweeping transformations that I’m aware of.”
Donald Trump
Donald Trump, R, has been openly opposed to same-sex marriage, claiming near the beginning of his campaign that, though his stance on the issue wasn’t “fully formed,” he would say no to gay marriage and civil benefits. He is in support of the state’s right to decide on gay-marriage laws, but has little faith that the Supreme Court ruling will be overturned.
“Some people have hopes of passing amendments, but it’s not going to happen. Congress can’t pass simple things, let alone that. So anybody that’s making that an issue is doing it for political reasons. The Supreme Court ruled on it.”
Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is adamantly opposed to the Supreme Court’s ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states, claiming the ruling infringed on states’ rights. Sen. Cruz, along with other more conservative members of the Republican party, have aggressively emphasized their opposition to same-sex marriage. Cruz said advocates of traditional marriage should “fall to [their] knees and pray” against a court decision legalizing same–sex marriage.
“We had two decisions of the Supreme Court where they ignored the text of federal law. They rewrote ObamaCare, forcing that failed law on millions of Americans, and then the next day, five justices disregarded the text of the Constitution and purported to strike down the marriage laws of all 50 states.”
John Kasich
John Kasich, R, has said he believes in traditional marriage. He was one of the original defendants in the Obergefell v. Hodges case, a lawsuit against the state because of its refusal to recognize same–sex marriage on death certificates, resulting in the Supreme Court ruling legalizing same–sex marriage nationwide. He has since then taken a more progressive stance pushing for acceptance of the court’s decision and saying.
“I do believe in traditional marriage, but the court has ruled and it’s time to move on. I think everybody needs to take a deep breath to see how this evolves. But I know this, religious institutions, religious entities–you know, like the Catholic church–they need to be honored as well. I think there’s an ability to strike a balance.”
*This article is part of a weekly series informing students of where candidates stand on the issues for the 2016 presidential elections.
**All information comes from Ontheissues.org, a nonprofit that keeps track of candidate voting records and public statements.