By Cody-Leigh Mullin

*Mike Huckabee*

Gay Rights: Huckabee opposes same-sex marriage and advocates federal legislation to make marriage allowed between one man and one woman only. Huckabee opposes civil unions, same-sex adoptions, and the reappeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Huckabee does not advocate increased AIDS/HIV funding, proposing that those with AIDS should be “isolated” from society.

Gender Equality: Huckabee opposes (ENDA). He supports the Equal Rights Amendment intended to guarantee equal rights under the law for Americans regardless of gender.

Abortion: Huckabee led Arkansas to pass the Human Life Amendment in the state’s constitution that would have the effect of overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that denied states the authority to prohibit abortion. He supports overturning Roe v. Wade and would not give tax funding to pro-choice organizations. Huckabee does not condone comprehensive sex education within public school systems.

*Ron Paul*

Gay Rights: Paul opposes same-sex marriage, but does not support a federal amendment to define marriage as only between a man and a woman. Paul voted to support a ban of gay adoptions in Washington, DC in 1999 and currently supports “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Gender Equality: Paul is opposed to ENDA.

Abortion: In September of 2007, Paul supported the Sanctity of Life Act, which would remove the jurisdiction from the federal courts and allow the states to pass their own pro- or anti-abortion legislations. Paul believes that life begins at conception and would deny tax funding for pro-choice organizations. Paul pushes to ban partial-birth abortions unless the pregnancy proves to be detrimental to the mother’s health.

*Mitt Romney*

Gay Rights: Romney has recently made it clear that he opposes gay marriage and in trying to position himself as the most conservative presidential candidate, he opposes most rights for homosexuals. He currently supports “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and is opposed to civil unions. In 2004, Romney wrote an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal entitled “One Man, One Woman: A Citizen’s Guide to Protecting Marriage.”

Gender Equality: In 2007, Romney said that he supports ENDA.

Abortion: As of 2007, Romney has taken the pro-life stance and would support the over-turning of Roe v. Wade by “changing hearts and minds.”

*Hillary Clinton*

Gay Rights: Clinton voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment that would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman. She does not support same-sex marriage, though advocate for civil unions. Clinton supports giving the entire queer community equal rights in adopting children. Clinton supports the UAFA and also supports increasing funding for HIV/AIDS.

Gender Equality: Clinton said she would work to pass ENDA and propose another measure extending benefits to the partners of federal employees in March 2007.

Abortion: Clinton is pro-choice and seeks to uphold Roe v. Wade. She also supports the passage of REALA

*Barack Obama*

Gay Rights: Obama believes in same-sex adoptions, supports the UAFA, supports increased HIV/AIDS funding, and is for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Although he has said that he supports civil unions, he is against gay marriage.

Gender Equality: Obama supports ENDA and believes that it should be expanded to include discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Abortion: Obama is pro-choice, supports Roe v. Wade, and believes that it is a “woman’s right to choose” whether or not to have an abortion. He also supports the REALA.

*Term You Should Know*

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: The act prohibits any homosexual or bisexual person from disclosing his or her sexual orientation, or from mentioning any homosexual relationships while serving in the United States armed forces. As long as queer men and women in the military hide their sexual orientation, commanders are not allowed to investigate their sexuality.

ENDA: Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which prohibits job discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

UAFA: Uniting American Families Act, which would allow American citizens to petition for immigration sponsorship for same-sex partners.

REALA: Responsible Education about Life Act, which would create a federal grant program to channel money to states that choose to teach comprehensive and age-appropriate sex education for students.