Al Sharpton

Al Sharpton is a Civil Rights activist who has been active in voter registration drives and fighting racism. He twice ran unsuccessfully for the New York State Senate.Sharpton supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.Sharpton supports a federal bill that would outlaw workplace discrimination based on gender identity and expression.Sharpton supports the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the Federal Hate Crimes Law. Current law includes race, religion and national orientation.Sharpton supports recognition for same-sex marriage.Sharpton supports extending the Family Medical Leave Act to same-sex couples.Sharpton supports the Permanent Partners Immigration Act (H.R. 832) which would allow American citizens to sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration into the country.Sharpton giving gays and lesbians the same rights to adopt children as heterosexuals.Sharpton supports a repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, which would allow gay and lesbian soldiers to serve openly in the military.

On Same-Sex Marriage: "I believe in equal human rights, before the law, for all human beings, and race, gender, disability, class or sexual orientation should not be a factor under the law. Even though we live under the law in a secular democratic society, religious groups must still be able to maintain their spiritual and moral option to either give or withhold a religious or sacred blessing to such unions. However, the government should not have that option. It must affirm the human and legal rights of everyone."

On Don't Ask, Don't Tell: "The military code of conduct should allow military people to live openly in the 'truth' rather than live silently or covertly a 'lie'.

On Gender Identity and Employment: "No American should be discriminated against on the job because of their gender identity or expression."

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