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Less Than Half of 2020 Candidates Mention LGBTQ Rights on Their Campaign Websites

A deep dive into every candidates' queer agenda.

By Nico Lang and Kate Sosin

As LGBTQ people across the country celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, the 2020 presidential hopefuls will be ringing in Pride month with voters. Candidates have already begun rolling out their ceremonial merch—from Kirsten Gillibrand’s “Brave and Proud” collection, which features a bisexual Pride t-shirt, to Elizabeth Warren campaign tote bags that spell out “PERSIST” in rainbow letters.

But how many are actually peddling LGBTQ agendas? NewNowNext surveyed the campaign websites of all 25 presidential candidates—including Donald Trump—and found that less than half of them mention LGBTQ issues. Of that total, just seven of the contenders go into detail about their vision for queer and trans equality, to varying results. Five of them mention LGBTQ rights in passing, often with a vague reference to fighting discrimination.

The rest—numbering 13 candidates in total—leave out LGBTQ policy goals altogether. Some of those candidates are new to the race, while others do not spell out their campaign platforms on their official websites. But others may surprise you.

Here’s the full breakdown:

CANDIDATES WITH SPECIFIC LGBTQ POLICIES

Pete Buttigieg

Dustin Chambers/Getty

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 06: Democratic presidential candidate and Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg speaks to a crowd at the African American Leadership Council on June 6, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The DNC hosted its African American Leadership Council (AALC) Summit at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta. (Photo by Dustin Chambers/Getty Images)

The first openly LGBTQ candidate to have a major shot at winning the Democratic nomination, Buttgieg’s website includes an overview of his LGBTQ platform under the “Freedom” tab. His proposed policies include the passage of the Equality Act, a landmark bill that would ban discrimination against LGBTQ people in workplaces, schools, and other areas of everyday life; lifting the president’s ban on open trans military service; and preserving nondiscrimination protections for trans people in the Affordable Care Act.

“Pete knows that our families, communities, and nation are stronger when we allow all individuals to be true to who they are,” the South Bend, Indiana, mayor’s website claims. “A person’s sexual orientation or gender identity should not limit them from pursuing their dreams and realizing their full potential—to work, live, and go to school where they want; to love whom they choose, and to live safe, healthy lives.”

The 37-year-old, who is currently polling in fifth in the 2020 Democratic race, would also work as president to “pass safe schools legislation,” “combat bullying and harassment,” “protect LGBTQ asylum seekers,” and “improve the health and well-being of LGBTQ youth, parents, and families.” He also calls for criminal justice reform to “combat the overrepresentation and mistreatment of LGBTQ people” in U.S. prisons, where queer and trans individuals are three times as likely to be incarcerated as the average person.

His platform, however, does not include mention of his policies on issues like anti-gay conversion therapy, the decriminalization of sex work, or restoring cuts to global HIV/AIDS funding.

John Delaney

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Former Maryland Congressman and 2020 presidential candidate, John Delaney visits the SiriusXM Studios on April 08, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

The former Maryland House representative outlines a number of detailed policy priorities when it comes to securing LGBTQ rights. Delaney notes that he “was proud to be a member of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus and he received a 100% score from the Human Rights Campaign for each of his three terms.”

“We have made tremendous progress in recent years, but the fight for full civil rights for all LGBTQ Americans isn’t over,” he claims.

Delaney vows to reinstate transgender military service, oppose voter ID laws that seek to prevent trans and nonbinary people from participating in elections, and back legislation to ensure that Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects LGBTQ students. He also supports the Equality Act, including a provision that would permit the Department of Justice to “challenge discriminatory actions” against LGBTQ people in employment, housing, health care, or other areas of public life. The one-time lawmaker is also the only 2020 candidate to explicitly support a federal ban on conversion therapy on their campaign website.

Noticeably absent, however, is mention of health care protections for transgender people, restoring global HIV/AIDS funding, or decriminalizing sex work.

Kirsten Gillibrand

Scott Olson/Getty

DES MOINES, IOWA - APRIL 17: Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) speaks to guests during a campaign event with Drake University Democrats at Papa Keno’s restaurant on April 17, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. Gillibrand has campaign stops scheduled in the state through Friday. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The New York Senator’s official website is very heavy on details about what she’s already done as an elected lawmaker and less detailed about what she would do if elected president. Claiming the candidate has “long stood side by side with the LGBTQ community,” her website discusses her role in ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and support for open trans military service. The campaign also claims she has “consistently spoken out against the rising rate of hate crimes against LGBTQ people—especially trans women of color.”

Lastly, the site also mentions her support for the right of “LGBTQ people to work, get housing, adopt and foster children, serve in the military, and go to school without discrimination,” without specifically naming her support of the Equality Act. All Senate Democrats have signed on as cosponsors of the landmark bill.

Although Gillibrand’s website doesn’t go into further detail, the candidate shared a 20-point plan for LGBTQ equality with NewNowNext, which is also available on her Medium page. It includes expanding PrEP access, allowing gay and bisexual men to donate blood, and requiring insurance plans to cover hormone access for transgender people. That latter provision, however, does not mention whether insurers would be required to cover gender-affirming surgery.

Kamala Harris

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 01: Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) speaks during the California Democrats 2019 State Convention at the Moscone Center on June 01, 2019 in San Francisco, California. Several democratic presidential hopefuls are speaking at the California Democratic Convention that runs through Sunday. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The Junior Senator’s campaign website begins with a detailed account of her LGBTQ rights record both as a Congressional lawmaker and a California prosecutor. In the San Francisco District Attorney’s office, she helped establish “an LGBTQ hate crimes unit” and married same-sex couples when the city briefly legalized marriage equality in 2004. During her time as the California Attorney General, she worked to ban use of the “panic defense” in cases of anti-LGBTQ violence and “refused to defend California’s discriminatory Prop. 8 in court, setting the stage for nationwide marriage equality.”

Her LGBTQ issues page also notes that since her election to the Senate in 2017, Harris has sponsored a bill to include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity in the U.S. Census and fought to “prevent the use of religious beliefs as a justification to discriminate against LGBTQ people.”

“We must speak truth: Homophobia and transphobia are real in this country, and they’re being fueled by an administration that openly attacks Americans based on who they are or who they love,” her campaign claims. “We’re at an inflection point in our struggle for equality, and Kamala won’t leave anyone to fight alone. Together, we’ll fight for the equality of the LGBTQ community in all of its diversity.”

Among the issues in her 2020 platform, Harris states her support for the Equality Act, rolling out a third gender option for trans and nonbinary people on passports and other forms of federal documentation, furthering LGBTQ rights in America’s foreign policy, and overturning Trump’s trans military ban, which she claims she would do on her first day in office. As president, Harris also says she would work to reinstate Obama-era nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ federal employees and government contractors nixed by the current administration and would appoint an Attorney General “who makes investigating and prosecuting hate crimes a priority.”

While Harris also notes that she “plans to invest in law enforcement training on interactions with LGBTQ individuals,” it’s unclear how she would rollout competency training for local police stations.

Those policies are undoubtedly extensive, but that are some noticeable gaps. After being dinged early in her campaign for supporting FOSTA/SESTA, an anti-sex trafficking bill that shut down resources like Backpage.com, she detailed her plans to decriminalize sex work in a recent BuzzFeed News report. However, her campaign page does not connect those dots to LGBTQ people, who are disproportionately likely to engage in sex work. Meanwhile, Harris does not discuss her views on anti-gay conversion therapy or allowing gay and bisexual men to donate blood, despite her record of advocacy on both issues.

Bernie Sanders

David McNew/Getty

PASADENA, CA - MAY 31: Sen. Bernie Sanders appears at a campaign rally at the Pasadena Convention Center on May 31, 2019 in Pasadena, California. Sanders and three other candidates for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination - Sen. Kamala Harris, Julian Castro and Gov. Jay Inslee - will field questions at the Immigrant Unity and Freedom Presidential Forum of 2019 nearby, following the rally. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

The Vermont Senator often touts his record as an early supporter of LGBTQ rights, dating back to his days as the mayor of Burlington, Vermont. While his platform isn’t as extensive as that legacy might suggest, what is listed on his campaign site is detailed and specific.

Sanders’ eight-point plan for LGBTQ equality—spelled out in bullet points—includes passage of legislation like the Equality Act and the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, the latter of which would prevent state-funded adoption and foster care agencies from turning away same-sex couples. He also voices support for anti-bullying protections in schools, furthering LGBTQ rights in American foreign policy, preventing anti-LGBTQ discrimination in health care and from insurance agencies, training police departments in LGBTQ competency, and fighting against so-called “religious liberty” proposals.

“The United States has made remarkable progress on gay rights in a relatively short amount of time,” his website notes. “But there is still much work to be done. Incredibly, it is still legal to deny someone housing or service in the military for being transgender. That is unacceptable and must change.”

However, what’s left out of Sanders’ platform is just as notable as what he includes. The self-described Democratic Socialist does not discuss many of the major issues impacting LGBTQ voters in the 2020 race—such as the rollbacks of equality under the current administration, banning anti-gay conversion therapy at the federal level, restoring federal data collection on LGBTQ people, and the blood ban for gay and bisexual men.

And although the above quote discusses his opposition to Trump’s trans military ban, he stops just short of saying he would sign an executive order overturning it.

Marianne Williamson

Michael Kovac/Getty Images for The Environmental Media Association

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: 2020 Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson speaks onstage at the EMA IMPACT Summit - Day Two at Montage Beverly Hills on May 30, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for The Environmental Media Association)

The author and activist has the most extensive LGBTQ rights page of any candidate in the race. Williamson lays out in great detail the hardships facing queer Americans, from employment discrimination to a string of anti-transgender bathroom bills sweeping the nation.

“The ability to pursue a livelihood free from discrimination is a right denied, every day, to members of the LGBTQ communities,” she laments.

She pledges to back the Equality Act and support LGBTQ rights in housing, health care, and services. She calls says LGBTQ people in the census would be “an imperative asset” for the U.S. government.

While her platform is longer than any other candidates (it’s more than 1,200 words), beyond inclusion in the U.S. Census, it doesn’t actually provide a single concrete proposal. Missing are action items for responding to the rapid rollback of transgender health care access or a plan for undoing the transgender military ban. Williamson makes no mention of conversation therapy or global funding of HIV/AIDS programs.

Her plan to address housing discrimination notes that LGBTQ people are not covered under the federal Fair Housing Act, but makes no mention of her strategy to amend that exclusion. It also doesn’t note that just days ago, the Department of Housing and Urban Development released a proposal to greenlight discrimination against transgender people in homeless shelters.

Andrew Yang

Sean Rayford/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, SC - MAY 18: Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang talks with a crowd during a Black Caucus meeting on May 18, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

While Andrew Yang’s campaign website includes a page dedicated to his LGBTQ rights platform, it’s pretty light on specifics.

For instance, the venture capitalist discusses his support for “any legislation extending protected status to individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” but does not mention the Equality Act by name. Along the same lines, Yang claims that, if elected president, he would work to back programs “directed at educating the public on LGBTQ issues” and “meant to help LGBTQ individuals who are facing discrimination because of their identity.” However, there’s no explanation of how he might launch a nationwide pro-LGBTQ education campaign.

But in lieu of policy details, Yang affirms his longtime support for marriage equality. “Who you love and how you love are up to you,” reads a pull quote that appears to be directly quoting the candidate. “[...] I’ve always been pro-gay marriage; why should straight people have all of the fun? People are people and all love is beautiful.”

Following the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, the issue is unlikely to factor into the 2020 election.

BRIEFLY MENTIONS LGBTQ RIGHTS

Michael Bennet

Scott Olson/Getty

SIOUX CITY, IOWA - MAY 18: Democratic presidential candidate and Colorado Senator Michael Bennet speaks to guests during a campaign stop hosted by the Woodbury County Democrats on the campus of Morningside College on May 18, 2019 in Sioux City, Iowa. Bennet is one of more than 20 candidates seeking the Democratic nomination and the chance to face off with President Donald Trump in the general election in 2020. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The U.S. Senator from Colorado offers a passing mention of LGBTQ rights on a page outlining his vision to “restore American values.” Without mentioning the Equality Act by name, his campaign site claims that he “will fight to protect all Americans from discrimination, whether based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability” if elected to the White House.” It’s an odd omission. When the landmark LGBTQ rights bill was reintroduced this year, Bennet released a statement claiming it’s “far past time for federal laws to be entirely free from discrimination.”

His campaign website for the U.S. Senate suffered from the same problems. While his platform on “Justice and Equality” at least mentions the Equality Act, the Democratic lawmaker did not offer any other plans for LGBTQ rights.

Cory Booker

Dustin Chambers/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 06: Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) speaks to a crowd at the African American Leadership Council on June 6, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The DNC hosted its African American Leadership Council (AALC) Summit held at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta. (Photo by Dustin Chambers/Getty Images)

The New Jersey Senator doesn’t have a section on his website dedicated to outlining his platform. His Medium page, which features policy proposals along with the occasional op-ed, doesn’t include an LGBTQ agenda. His website notes, however, that Booker is “an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act to protect the rights of LGBTQ Americans.”

Jay Inslee

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 5: Democratic presidential candidate and Governor of Washington Jay Inslee speaks about climate change at the Council on Foreign Relations, June 5, 2019 in New York City. Inslee has made the issue of combatting climate change the central platform of his campaign and has sharply criticized the Trump administration's lack of action on climate issues. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The Washington Governor heavily focuses on climate issues on his campaign website, but he does make mention of LGBTQ people twice in his pitch for commander-in-chief. He calls for an “end [to the] harassment of, discrimination against, and denial of LGBTQ immigrants,” and notes that the expansion of solitary confinement in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities disproportionately hurts LGBTQ people.

Beto O’Rourke

Ray Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 1: Democratic presidential candidate and former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke acknowledges the crowd as he finishes speaking during Day 2 of the California Democratic Party Convention at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, June 1, 2019. (Photo by Ray Chavez/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images)

The former Texas Congressman very briefly mentions LGBTQ issues on his website, which discusses his plan for immigration reform, national security, immigration, climate change, and campaign finance at length. O’Rourke pledges to “ensure everyone can succeed regardless of their family dynamics, their gender, their sexual orientation, or their race.”

While calling to end “discrimination in the workplace,” he does not specifically mention LGBTQ people or highlight his views on the Equality Act, for which all 2020 Democratic candidates have expressed their support.

Eric Swalwell

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 01: Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) speaks during the California Democrats 2019 State Convention at the Moscone Center on June 01, 2019 in San Francisco, California. Several Democratic presidential candidates are speaking at the California Democratic Convention that runs through Sunday. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The California representative does not include LGBTQ issues in his official platform. But his personal biography states that Swalwell has furthered “LGBTQ equality, comprehensive immigration reform, and [protections for] a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions” as a member of the House Judiciary Committee.

NO MENTION OF LGBTQ RIGHTS

Joe Biden

Scott Eisen/Getty Images

CONCORD, NH - JUNE 04: Former Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden holds a campaign event at the IBEW Local 490 on June 4, 2019 in Concord, New Hampshire. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

The former Vice President's issues page doesn’t include any mention of LGBTQ people, although the website is short on policy overall. The scant details of his vision for the presidency include buzzwords like restoring democracy, rebuilding the middle class, and demonstrating leadership. However, in a recent speech delivered at a Human Rights Campaign gala, Biden declared the Equality Act’s passage to be a top priority if elected to the White House.

“It will be the first thing I ask to be done,” Biden said.

A spokesperson for Biden’s campaign told NewNowNext that an agenda outlining the candidate’s vision for LGBTQ rights will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Steve Bullock

William Campbell-Corbis via Getty Images

LIVINGSTON,MT-FEBRUARY 28: Montana Governor Steve Bullock takes a break while campaigning for democrat Dan Vermillion who is running for the Montana Legislature District 30 Senate seat in the 2018 elections, on February 28, 2018 in Livingston, Montana. Democrats in Montana are making a big push to win seats in state and local elections in 2018. (Photo by William Campbell-Corbis via Getty Images)

The Montana Governor’s website devotes its policy plan to “One Big Idea”: Bullock’s plan to crack down corporate influence and corruption in elections. However, LGBTQ issues are not mentioned in the five-point agenda.

Julián Castro

Justin Sullivan/Getty

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: Democratic presidential hopeful former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro looks on as he talks with striking University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) workers on May 16, 2019 in San Francisco, California. Democratic presidential hopeful Julian Castro spoke with striking UCSF workers as he campaigns in the San Francisco Bay Area. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The former San Antonio Mayor doesn’t list policy details on his website, which is heavy on biographical details. However, Castro has two Pride t-shirts for sale, one of which reads, “Hey, y’all means all” in rainbow font.

Bill de Blasio

Sean Rayford/Getty

COLUMBIA, SC - MAY 18: Democratic presidential candidate and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio talks to the crowd at a Democratic Black Caucus Meeting on May 18, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

The New York City Mayor doesn’t mention LGBTQ issues on his website because he hasn’t yet unveiled his 2020 platform. De Blasio only entered the race in mid-May.

Tulsi Gabbard

Justin Sullivan/Getty

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 01: Democratic presidential cadidate U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) speaks during the California Democrats 2019 State Convention at the Moscone Center on June 01, 2019 in San Francisco, California. Several Democratic presidential cadidates are speaking at the California Democratic Convention that runs through Sunday. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Tulsi Gabbard does not mention LGBTQ issues on her campaign website, as she does not yet have a page disclosing her 2020 platform. However, the website for her 2018 re-election campaign to the U.S. House does go into greater detail, discussing her record of sponsoring legislation on workplace nondiscrimination and expanding same-sex marriage rights for LGBTQ couples.

John Hickenlooper

Ethan Miller/Getty

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 27: Democratic presidential candidate former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper speaks at the National Forum on Wages and Working People: Creating an Economy That Works for All at Enclave on April 27, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Six of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates are attending the forum, held by the Service Employees International Union and the Center for American Progress Action Fund, to share their economic policies. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The former Colorado Governor does not mention LGBTQ issues on his campaign website. Outside of his personal biography, Hickenlooper does not break down any specifics of his 2020 platform.

Amy Klobuchar

Win McNamee/Getty

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 07: Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) speaks at the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers annual legislative conference May 7, 2019 in Washington, DC. Klobuchar spoke on workers rights, health care and her plan for mental health care and substance abuse treatment during her remarks. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Senator does not mention LGBTQ issues on her campaign website, as it does not have a page spelling out specifics of Klobuchar’s platform. However, her official store includes Pride merch advertising her candidacy.

Wayne Messam

Joe Raedle/Getty

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - MARCH 30: Miramar, Florida Mayor Wayne Messam speaks at a rally at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Democrat mayor announced his candidacy for president at the rally. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Messam’s website boasts an extensive list of policy details, ranging from immigration and gun reform to foreign policy. In total, he has 12 different pages dedicated to spelling out his 2020 platform. However, none of them mention LGBTQ issues. His biography does not reference LGBTQ rights either.

Seth Moulton

Scott Eisen/Getty

MANCHESTER, NH - APRIL 23: Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) speaks to media before participating in a community project on April 23, 2019 in Manchester, New Hampshire. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

The Massachusetts lawmaker does not mention LGBTQ issues on his campaign website. His platform includes a public option for U.S. health care, signing the Green New Deal, and expanding mental health care.

Tim Ryan

Zach Gibson/Getty

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) speaks during the North American Building Trades Unions Conference at the Washington Hilton April 10, 2019 in Washington, DC. Many Democrat presidential hopefuls attended the conference in hopes of drawing the labor vote. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images)

The Ohio Congressman does not mention LGBTQ issues on his campaign website. Although he briefly discusses some of the central tenets of his candidacy, Ryan does not have a specific page outlining his platform.

Donald Trump

Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool /Getty

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: US President Donald Trump attends a joint press conference with Prime Minister Theresa May at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office during the second day of his State Visit on June 4, 2019 in London, England. President Trump's three-day state visit began with lunch with the Queen, followed by a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, whilst today he will attend business meetings with the Prime Minister and the Duke of York, before travelling to Portsmouth to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

President Trump has an extensive issues page, but has not taken space to weigh in about his support (or lack thereof) for LGBTQ people. For the first time in three years, he recognized June as Pride month in a tweet.

As NewNowNext recently noted, he is peddling Pride t-shirts.

Elizabeth Warren

Justin Sullivan/Getty

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 01: Democratic presidental hopeful U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) speaks during the California Democrats 2019 State Convention at the Moscone Center on June 01, 2019 in San Francisco, California. Several democratic presidential hopefuls are speaking at the California Democratic Convention that runs through Sunday. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Despite the Massachusetts Senator’s many, many policy proposals, she has yet to publish a plan for LGBTQ rights on her official campaign site. That said, she released an extensive LGBTQ agenda to NewNowNext in May, which discusses her views on wide-ranging issues like the Equality Act, restoring visas for the unmarried same-sex partners of foreign diplomats, and the blood ban for gay and bisexual men.

William Weld

Hutton Supancic/Getty Images for SXSW

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 09: Bill Weld speaks onstage at Conversations About America's Future: Former Governor Bill Weld during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater on March 8, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Hutton Supancic/Getty Images for SXSW)

The former Massachusetts Governor and Republican primary challenger to President Trump has not rolled out an LGBTQ platform on his website. It is worth noting, however, that Weld is viewed as longtime supporter of LGBTQ rights. He signed an amicus brief calling on the Supreme Court to overturn California’s Proposition 8 and backed the Obama administration’s guidance in on transgender bathroom protections.

In April, GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis praised Weld as “what is needed and has been missing within the Republican Party: a campaign message about acceptance for all marginalized communities, including LGBTQ people.”

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