Rudy Giuliani - 2008 Republican Presidential Candidate

Rudy Giuliani is a moderate republican running for president in 2008. He was mayor of New York City from January 1, 1994 – December 31, 2001. He became known as "America's mayor" for his leadership and strong response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Time magazine named him "Person of the Year" for 2001. While Mayor of New York, Giuliani helped pass domestic partnership benefits for same-sex couples and signed the bill into law in 1997. Note: Rudy Giuliani dropped out of the presidential race in January 2008.Rudy Giuliani supports a federal non-discrimination law that would outlaw job discrimination based on sexual orientation. It is unclear if he supports the current version of the law (ENDA) that includes gender identity/transgender inclusion in this law.Rudy Giuliani is a supporter of hate crimes legislation that includes gays and lesbians. It is unclear whether he supports hate crimes legislation that includes gender identity.Rudy Giuliani is opposed to same-sex marriage, but he supports domestic partnerhips. From his website: "Rudy Giuliani believes marriage is between a man and a woman. He does not - and has never - supported gay marriage. But he believes in equal rights under law for all Americans. That's why he supports domestic partnerships that provide stability for committed partners in important legal and personal matters, while preserving the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman."

Giuliani opposes a Federal Marriage Amendment that would change the constitution to make marriage between one man and one woman only.

However, in April 2007, Giuliani said he opposed a New Hampshire bill that legalized same-sex civil unions. After telling the New York Sun that he was opposed to New Hampshire civil unions his campaign released the following statement: "In this specific case, the law states same-sex civil unions are the equivalent of marriage and recognizes same sex unions from outside states. This goes too far and Mayor Giuliani does not support it."Rudy Giuliani's stance on same-sex adoption is unknown.Rudy Giuliani does not favor over turning the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that forbids gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military. He said the issue should not be revisited during a time of war.

• In a 1999 Interview with CNN's Inside Politics, then-mayor Giuliani said, “I’m pro-choice. I’m pro–gay rights.”
• Rudy Giuliani extended New York City partner benefits to same sex couples in 1998.
• He was one of the first New York State Republicans to support a statewide Hate Crimes Bill that included sexual orientation.

  _{Sources: Log Cabin Republicans, The Advocate, PlanetOut.com, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force}