I support full civil unions and  federal rights for LGBT couples.  We must expand adoption rights for all couples and individuals regardless of their sexual orientation.  There are so many children needlessly living in foster care when there are plenty of people willing to adopt. Florida is the only state that specifically bans all “homosexual” people from adopting children, although it does allow them to be foster parents.  We need to put the best interest of the child above all else by allowing these children to be adopted into loving homes.  Therefore, a person’s sexual orientation should not be a barrier for adopting children.

In addition to adoption rights, I am opposed to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.  Since, the policy was enacted in 1994 it has cost taxpayers over 190.5 million to discharge and replace members because of their sexual orientation.  Many of those discharged were in “mission critical” areas such as linguists, pilots, and combat engineers.  We need to retain qualified soldiers who are proud to serve their country, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Another issue I would like to focus on is HIV prevention, education, and research. Not only do we need to work on preventing the spread of HIV but we need help improve the quality of life of those living with the disease. Recently, Washington D.C. was found to have a 3% HIV infection rate. Anything above 1% infection rate is considered an epidemic and puts us on par with countries like Uganda and Kenya. We need a national comprehensive HIV/AIDS plan which would allow medical access everyone by expanding Medicaid coverage for low income Americans.

Finally, I would like to ensure a workplace free from discrimination.  At present time, there is no federal legislation requiring employers to provide insurance for LGBT domestic partners. Also, there is no protection against discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation. Our society, as well as the laws of our nation, needs to be more tolerant and more compassionate than past generations.