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Joseph Lieberman

By Kathy Belge, About.com

Note: Joe Lieberman withdrew from the race on 2/3/04.

Background: Joseph Lieberman has served 14 years as a Senator for the state of Connecticut. He was Al Gore's Vice Presidential running mate in the 2000 elections.

Employment Non-Discrimination: Lieberman supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act Reintroduced Employment Non-Discrimination Act. He was a co-sponor of the original ENDA.
Gender Identity Employment: Lieberman is undecided about a bill to ban work place discrimination based on gender identity and expression.
Hate Crimes: Lieberman is a co-sponor of a bill that would amend the Federal Hate Crimes Law to include sexual orientation.
Same-Sex Marriage: Lieberman opposes same-sex marriage.
Family Medical Leave: Undecided: Lieberman has not commited one way or another on his stand on extending the Family Medical Leave Act to same-sex couples.
Same-Sex Immigration: Undecided: Lieberman has not commented on whether or not he supports the Permanent Partners Immigration Act (H.R. 832) which would allow American citizens to sponsor their same-sex partner for immigration into this country.
Gay and Lesbian Adoption: Lieberman supports giving gays and lesbians the same rights as heterosexuals to adopt children.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell: Lieberman supports a repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, which would allow gay and lesbian soldiers to serve openly in the military.
Lieberman Comments:
  • On Gays in the Military: "The late Senator Barry Goldwater once said, 'It's not important if you are straight, just that you can shoot straight.' I agree, and believe our current policy should be changed."
  • On Gender Identity in Employment: As for the broader category of gender identity, I am now studying it and have pledged to work with ENDA's other cosponsors to explore the issue and whether and the extent to which federal law should address it."
  • On Gay Marriage: "I do not support gay marriage."

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