December 18, 2015 :: 3:15 AM
Hillary Clinton has become the first candidate in next year’s presidential race to release a comprehensive policy document in support of LGBT equality and non-discrimination, revealing some initiatives she hasn’t discussed so far before.
Among other measures, the extensive factsheet promises measures to end ‘ex-gay’ conversion therapy for minors, expand the availability and use of PrEP, clarify under federal statutes that ‘sex discrimination’ covers both gender identity and sexual orientation, and protect transgender people from violence.
“America is better when we are inclusive, open, and striving towards full equality. The Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage equality was a watershed moment in this fight, but our work to reach the promise of full equality remains unfinished,” said Clinton. “As President, I will continue to fight so that LGBT Americans and families can live, work, and pray free of discrimination. I will not settle for anything less.”
Other policies include improving data collection on the LGBT community, streamlining the process of changing legal documentation during transition, and removing the roadblocks that some states put in front of adoptions by LGBT couples.
“It is unacceptable that LGBT kids continue to be discriminated against and bullied at school, a restaurant can refuse to serve a transgender person, and a same-sex couple is at risk of being evicted from their home,” Clinton continued. “We have to do better. And it’s why I will continue to fight so every person and every family is treated with respect and dignity no matter who they are or who they love.”
Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, hailed the policy proposals as “a bold vision for our community in this country and beyond.”
“We applaud Secretary Clinton for her audacious and uncompromising support for a range of policy initiatives which, if realized, would improve the lives and futures of every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person in our nation and the world,” Kendell said. “By addressing issues like parenting and adoption, protections for LGBT youth, conversion therapy, violence against transgender people and transgender service in the military, and health care access for people with HIV—issues which have long been part of NCLR’s work—Secretary Clinton reflects a genuine understanding of the issues facing LGBT people and their families. Her passionate support is extremely gratifying.”
JoDee Winterhof, senior vice president for policy and political affairs for the Human Rights Campaign, said the proposal “puts in stark relief what’s at stake in this coming presidential election.”
“On the one hand we have witnessed pro-equality candidates put forward robust plans to address LGBT discrimination at the federal level, fight the epidemic of violence against transgender Americans, advance equality around the globe and more,” Winterhof said. “And on the other side, we’ve seen an unprecedented level of vocal opposition to LGBT equality from vowing to overturn marriage equality and rushing to Kim Davis’s side to treating transgender people as a punchline.”