As the general election kicks off, Senator John McCain will tout his
reputation as a maverick, an independent, a moderate who will work
with both parties to get things done. However, a look at Senator
McCain’s record paints a very different picture. What we have seen
over the last seven years has been President Bush — despite his
promise to be a "uniter, not a divider" —repeatedly siding with
ultra-conservatives and the religious right at the expense of
protections for GLBT Americans. A McCain presidency would be another
four years of more of the same.
John McCain on GLBT Issues
A Record of Opposing the Interests of GLBT Americans
OPPOSED Ending Discrimination Against GLBT Americans
in the Workplace. Senator McCain cast a deciding vote against the
federal
Employment Non Discrimination Act.
OPPOSED Protecting GLBT Americans from Hate Crimes.
Senator McCain voted three times against expanding the
federal hate
crimes law to include sexual orientation.
PROPONENT of Discriminatory Military Policy. Senator
McCain supports Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and does not believe that gays
should serve in the military.
OPPONENT of Equal Benefits for Same-Sex Couples.
Senator McCain voted for the
Defense of Marriage Act
which prohibits same-sex couples from receiving federal rights and
benefits in any state.
ACTIVELY SUPPORTED State Ban on Domestic
Partnerships. Senator McCain campaigned for a ban on same-sex
relationship recognition in his home state of Arizona – even appearing
in a campaign television ad.
SUPPORTED the Confirmation of Anti-GLBT Equality
Judges. Senator McCain voted to confirm President Bush’s judicial
nominees who had taken anti-GLBT positions. He has pointed to Justice
Samuel Alito as a role model for future Supreme Court appointments.
SUPPORTED a Discriminatory HIV/AIDS Policy. Senator
McCain supported a Jesse Helms strategy to cut off funding for
prevention efforts aimed at the gay community and voted to prohibit
foreign nationals with HIV from immigrating to the United States.