Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Candidates discuss gay-rights platforms
By Anthony Geraci
The Lantern (Ohio State U.)
08/14/2007

(U-WIRE) COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thursday night six of the leading Democratic presidential candidates met in Los Angeles to hold a forum, VisibleVote '08, to discuss the issues of gay rights within American society.

The event marked the first time ever in the history of the U.S. where candidates came together to discuss these issues. Both Republicans and Democrats were invited to join the forum, but subsequently every Republican candidate refused to attend the debate.

Numerous cities across the U.S. held viewing parties to watch the debate shown commercial-free on Logo, and Columbus was one of those cities.

"We started planning the event as soon as we found out it was happening," Justin Kerr said.

Kerr, an Ohio State University alumnus, is a member of the Human Rights Campaign in Ohio. In addition to HRC Ohio, the GLBT Alumni Association of Ohio State and the Arena Grand Theatre hosted the event open to the public free of charge.

The six candidates had 15 minutes each to answer questions from the panelists and questions sent in via e-mail.

The candidates faced questions ranging from their position on gay marriage, civil unions, Don't ask Don't Tell, Defense of Marriage Act and health benefits of same-sex partners.

Out of the six candidates, Kucinich and Gravel were the only ones who fully supported gay marriage, while the rest simply thought civil unions were sufficient.

During the debate cheers of joy and boos of opposition rang throughout the packed Arena Grand Theatre of Columbus.

Obama beat around the issue on whether he fully supported gay marriage as opposed to civil unions. He said he was a "hope monger," and if elected to office, will in fact make a progressive change.

Former vice presidential candidate, John Edwards, said he is the first to propose a universal health care plan that would recognize gay and lesbian couples. Edwards also brought cheers to the theater with his proposal to bring GLBT issues into public schools. Minutes later, however, Edwards said he did not support same-sex marriage, which sent the audience into an uproar of discord.

Kucinich and Gravel were the next candidates to appear and were enthusiastic at the least.

"I stand for real equality," Kucinich said, who fully supports gay marriage. "Just keep the contributions coming."

"Most of my generation is wrong," Gravel said. The issue of same-sex marriages will not even be an issue five years from now, Gravel said.

"I will do more for your cause than any president will," he said, which elicited cheers of excitement.

Hillary Clinton discussed how she would attempt to disassemble the Don't Ask Don't Tell issue. She said it will be one of her main priorities if elected president.

The historic presidential forum left gay and lesbian audiences, as well as the rest of the U.S., more informed about the issues these candidates strongly stood by.

Danielle Fernandez attended the viewing party in Columbus and said she was simply excited this moment in political history was even able to take place.

Fernandez said she pretty much knew where the candidates stood on gay rights issues, but had not heard the candidates personally talk about it.

"I knew I was voting for Obama before I came here," Fernandez said. "But I came because this event brings a sense of community to Columbus, and that is very important to me."

Fernandez also expressed gratitude for the HRC and the GLBT Alumni Association even putting on the viewing party.

President of the GLBT Alumni Association, Jack Minor, said he was disappointed no Republicans appeared at the debate.

"I am one of those very few gay Republicans you've heard of," he said. Minor said he believes people are going to start voting for candidates less for philosophy and more about who will change their lives, which he was not so happy about.

After the viewing party, Minor said for the first time ever he is probably going to vote democrat this year.

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