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Richard Gephardt

By , About.com Guide

Background:

Dick Gephardt is a Congressman from Missouri. His daughter, Chrissy, is an out lesbian.

Note: After a poor performance in the Iowa Caucus, Gephardt dropped out of the race January 20th, 2004.

Employment Non-Discrimination:

Gephardt supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act 2003. He has co-sponsored the bill in Congress.

Gender Identity Employment:

Gephardt supports a federal bill that would outlaw workplace discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

Hate Crimes:

Gephardt supports expanding federal Hate Crimes Law to include sexual orientation. As a Democratic leader he fought to pass federal hate crimes legislation in the House.

Same-Sex Marriage:

Gephardt opposes civil marriages for same-sex couples.

Family Medical Leave:

Gephardt supports extending the Family Medical Leave Act to include same-sex couples.

Same-Sex Immigration:

Gephardt supports and is a co-sponor of the Permanent Partners Act (H.R. 832) which would allow American citizens to sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration into this country.

Gay and Lesbian Adoption:

Gephardt supports giving gays and lesbians the same legal rights to adopt children as heterosexuals.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell:

Gephardt supports a repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, which would allow gay and lesbian soldiers to serve openly in the military.

Gephardt Comments:

  • On Don't Ask, Don't Tell: "Sexual Orientation should not be a bar to military service. I believe the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy has been a failure, and I support its elimination. Gays and lesbians have served with valor in our armed services, and they will continue to do so under my administration."
  • On Same-Sex Marriage: "I oppose civil marriages for same-sex couples."
  • On Family Medical Leave Act: "I support expanding the Family and Medical Leave act to include domestic partners so they are not punished should they need to take time from work to care for a loved one."

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