LGBT Rights

As a candidate for city council, I am often asked about my stance on issues relating to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community of Columbus.

It is important that those who will be voting for me this November know where I stand and what can be expected from me once I'm in office.

Fundamentally, all people are equal. I see no reason to discriminate based on characteristics of sexual orientation - we need to operate a city and a society that transcends these distinctions. Our society is not homogenous - we are not all the same. People who are gay are not wrong or damaged people - they are just gay. I view it as any other trait that can't be changed - race or height, for example. LGBT equality is the leading civil rights issue of our time. Equality is the goal.

What do these beliefs translate to when I am your Councilman?
  1. I do not treat people as gay or lesbian. I'm going to treat an individual of this orientation as a person - no different than any other resident.
  2. City government needs to stay out of how we conduct ourselves in our private lives. The only exception to this is when people are being hurt physically or economically. How can anyone make an argument that someone's sexual orientation is actively causing another harm?
  3. When I say equality, I mean equality. Equal does not mean special. What it does mean is an absence of legal distinction. What are and aren't legal activities should be blind to sexual orientation status. Laws are to be applied fairly.
  4. I believe in protecting an individual's rights even in the face of a majority's opposing views.
Columbus is a tolerant city and ideally, not only will it stay that way, but it will get better for this group of people who just want to be treated like everyone else.