09/05/2024
LGBTQ Rights
Kamala Harris
• Harris has consistently supported the Equality Act, which aims to provide comprehensive protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Harris is outspoken about the need to protect LGBTQ youth from bullying and discrimination, and the importance of inclusive policies in schools.
• Harris opposes conversion therapy, supporting legislation to ban the practice nationwide.
Donald Trump
• Trump has opposed the Equality Act, arguing that it infringes on religious freedoms.
• Trump rolled back protections for LGBTQ people, including guidelines that allowed transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity.
• Trump supports allowing businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ people based on religious beliefs.
Military Service
Kamala Harris
• Harris supports policies that ensure all qualified people, regardless of gender identity, can serve in the military. (would flip to lead with this)
• Harris opposes the Trump administration’s ban on transgender people serving in the military, advocating for its reversal.
• Harris has stated that the inclusion of transgender people in the military enhances readiness and diversity within the armed forces.
Donald Trump
• Trump banned transgender people from serving in the military.
• Trump’s administration defended the trans-military ban in court, arguing that it was necessary for military effectiveness and cost-saving.
• Trump has argued that the military should focus on “decisive and overwhelming victory” rather than social experiments.
Marriage Equality
Kamala Harris
• Harris has been a long-time supporter of marriage equality and spent Valentine’s Day of 2004 officiating marriages for same-sex couples
• As California’s Attorney General, Harris refused to defend Proposition 8, which sought to ban marriage equality in the state.
• Harris made numerous public statements affirming her commitment to marriage equality and the rights of same-sex couples.
Donald Trump
• Trump has said that he would nominate justices who might overturn the Supreme Court’s landmark Obergefell decision.
• Trump’s nominees have expressed willingness to revisit established precedent and expand loopholes to allow discrimination against LGBTQ couples.
• Trump’s administration has fought to the Supreme Court, with anti-LGBTQ organizations, to legalize discrimination against same-sex wedding services and couples seeking to adopt.
