Ask the Candidates

On August 9th, the Human Rights Campaign Fund is sponsoring a presidential candidate's forum in Los Angeles. They are asking you to help them develop the questions to ask the candidates. So far, many of the Democratic frontrunners have confirmed their attendance. No Republican has, but surely Mr. Guiliani might show.

That seems to me like a sign of progress around sexual and gender diversity. President Clinton certainly courted gay and lesbian voters, and then to many of our dismay signed such legislation as "Don't Ask Don't Tell", "The Defense of Marriage Act" and Abstinence-only-until marriage education.

Will this year's candidate's do better?

Actually, I have a lot of questions for the candidates about sexual justice issues. I'd like to see a new President quickly overturn many of the policies that limit our rights here and around the world.

Will he or she promise to overturn the Mexico City policy, Don't Ask Don't Tell, the abstinence only requirement in international AIDS funding, and that's just what occurs to me this morning at 6:30 am? Will he or she support sexuality education, sex abuse prevention, family planning programs, emergency contraception, the ERA, pay equity, and might we dare hope for support for marriage equality?

Let me know your questions? The Religious Institute is preparing a packet this summer for all the candidates on how to speak with a moral voice about sexual justice. We'd love your help!