From Pink News:
Senator Tim Kaine, who was named as the former Secretary of State’s
running mate, has been a vocal supporter of LGBT rights across his time
as Governor of Virginia and in the Senate.
One of Kaine’s first actions as Governor in 2006 was to sign an
executive order adding sexual orientation protections to the
non-discrimination policy for state workers.
Kaine came out in favor of equal marriage before President Obama did in
2013, signed a Supreme Court brief calling for nationwide marriage
equality, and is a sponsor of the Equality Act – proposed legislation
that would introduce LGBT anti-discrimination protections across all 50
states.
His views contrast with Donald Trump’s VP pick Mike Pence, a diehard opponent of LGBT rights who previously signed a ‘religious freedom’ law permitting anti-LGBT discrimination.
Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur said: “With her
selection of Sen. Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton has highlighted the stark
differences between her ticket and her opponent’s. In contrast to the
extremes of racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and homo- and transphobia on
display this week at the Republican National Convention, Kaine presents
an alternative: a pragmatist who works across ideologies and across the
aisle to get things done.
“As governor of Virginia, Kaine partnered with the state’s Republican
legislators and attorney general to strengthen background checks on gun
purchases. Vice President Joe Biden hailed the legislation as a
potential model for a federal bill.
“After exhibiting the same ‘evolution’ on LGBT issues as the nation
as a whole, Kaine is now solidly pro-LGBT equality. As governor, he
issued an executive order banning discrimination against lesbian and gay
state employees and campaigned against a ballot measure barring
same-sex couples from marrying. He has spoken out strongly in favor of
marriage equality and adoption by same-sex couples, receiving a 90
percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign.
“Donald Trump’s feigned concern in his speech for the perils LGBT
people face abroad ignores the very real danger presented by his own
party here at home. The virulently anti-LGBT Republican platform,
Trump’s choice of arch-homophobe Mike Pence as his running mate, and a
campaign based on fear, bias and hatred clearly foreshadow what LGBT
people can expect from a Trump administration. It is imperative that the
LGBT community do all it can to ensure that Hillary Clinton is the next
president of the United States.”
Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said: “While Donald
Trump doubled down on discrimination by picking Mike Pence, Hillary
Clinton has bolstered her campaign’s historic commitment to LGBTQ
equality by choosing Tim Kaine.
“Having proven time and time again that they have the experience,
determination, and leadership needed to move equality forward for all
Americans, we are confident Clinton and Kaine will tear down the walls
of discrimination that hold all of us back.
“The stakes for LGBTQ people in this election couldn’t be higher, and the choice for pro-equality voters couldn’t be clearer.”
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