Newt Gingrich’s exit from Republican race makes policies ’69 percent in favour of gay equality’
Marriage Equality USA has updated its spreadsheet of potential presidential policies today following the exit of Newt Gingrich from the bid for the Republican nomination.
Since August 2011, MEUSA has been keeping track of candidates’ views on a number of gay and transgender issues.
Although the results are not weighted by likelihood of winning, so the policies of out-runners have as much effect as those of the favourites, MEUSA says it shows the more anti-equality candidates are steadily ending their campaigns.
One result of Newt Gingrich’s withdrawal from the 2012 presidential race is puts the overall support for the LGBT issues selected by MEUSA among remaining candidates at an all-time high of 69 percent.
Hopefuls are recorded as being in favour of, opposed to or undecided on the following: full marriage equality, civil unions, domestic partnerships, foreign spouse citizenship, the repeal of DOMA, adoption for gay and transgender couples, civilian employment for federal workers and other workers and the appointment of LGBT-aware judges.
The candidates are also tallied for their views on military equality, including the ability to serve openly, equal pay and benefits and the ability to have on-base weddings.
In August of 2011, ten of the thirteen candidates stood against marriage equality. Candidates’ support for LGBT issues has increased month-on-month.
The group said the 69 percent support rate results from two separate trends: pro-equality candidates are supporting more LGBTIQ issues, and anti-equality candidates are ending their campaigns, but
MEUSA Election 2012 Project Manager Ned Flaherty said: “Every time the data changes we publish an update, so that journalists, voters, and candidates all know exactly where everyone stands on each issue, and that’s certainly having an effect.”
Stuart Gaffney, MEUSA Media Director said: “National polls now show majority support for marriage equality, so all candidates should support equal rights for all Americans.
“Equality under the law is not a special interest and should be an area of bi-partisan agreement.”
