Explore Candidates Bill Richardson on Gay Rights

Bill Richardson on Gay Rights

Sexuality can be a determining factor in certain rights alotted to individuals in the US. The benefits and definition of "marriage" are being challenged to consider gay couples and their intrinsic rights. This topic includes information about candidate positions on: gay marriage, civil unions, the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell policy", and federal benefits for same-sex couples.
Bill Richardson opposes gay marriage

Checked NO in response a Human Rights Campaign questionaire asking if the candidate "Supports allowing civil marriage rights for same-sex couples."

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"I'm just not there yet. I'm a Catholic. I think marriage is between a man and a woman."

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"Q: Would you allow us to get married to each other? [Two Women @ YouTube Debate] A: I will level with you, I would do what is achievable. What is achievable is full civil unions with full marriage rights."

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Bill Richardson strongly supports civil unions

Checked YES in response a Human Rights Campaign questionaire asking if the candidate "Supports civil unions for same-sex couples."

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"And my view is that I believe in civil unions, protecting against those that are discriminated against, hate -- initiatives like hate crimes that -- that prevent discrimination of human beings."

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Bill Richardson strongly supports extending federal rights and benefits to same-sex couples

Checked YES in response a Human Rights Campaign questionaire asking if the candidate "Supports extending federal benefits, rights, privleges and responsibilities to same-sex couples and their children provided the partnership meets certain federal standards of commitment and mutuality of interest."

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"Q: Would you allow us to get married to each other? [Two Women @ YouTube Debate] A: I will level with you, I would do what is achievable. What is achievable is full civil unions with full marriage rights."

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Bill Richardson strongly supports allowing gays to serve openly in the military

Checked YES in response a Human Rights Campaign questionaire asking if the candidate "Supports repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy."

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"I would eliminate don't ask don't tell in the military. If we are going to have in our military men and women that die for this country, we shouldn't give them a lecture on their sexual orientation. I would push for domestic partnership laws, non-discrimination in insurance and housing, I would also send a very strong message that in my administration I will not tolerate any discrimination on the basis of race, gender or sexual oreientation."

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