Just as friends don’t let friends drive drunk, we should declare right here, right now that as LGBT people we won’t let our friends vote McCain. At least not without a fight.

If you think I am overstating the importance of this, watch this video by the Human Rights Campaign on McCain’s long record of opposition to LGBT equality.

I understand that voting is a personal thing, but it is critical that we let our friends, family and co-workers know how much a McCain/Palin administration would hurt us and our families.

This post is the first in a series to provide you with talking points, resources and ideas on how to talk to your family and friends about why they should not be fooled by the “maverick” label because John McCain is no friend to the LGBT community. Join Gays Won’t Let Friends Vote McCain on Facebook.

McCain has opposed every single pro-LGBT piece of legislation that has come his way in his 26 years in Congress. Even worse, McCain is on record as saying “I don’t believe in gay adoptions.”, he opposes LGBT Americans serving openly and honorably in the military and he supports the anti-marriage constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot in Arizona, California and Florida.

In 2006 McCain appeared in this ad promoting the draconian anti-marriage amendment that was then on the ballot in Arizona.

We must make clear to those who love us that a vote for John McCain is a vote for discrimination against us. Here are some talking points on where McCain stands on LGBT issues.

The Case Against John McCain

McCain opposes non-discrimination legislation that would protect LGBT people from being fired from their jobs simply for who they are.

McCain opposes federal hate crimes legislation that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to existing federal law and provide resources to local law enforcement agencies to better investigate hate crimes.

McCain opposes the legal recognition of same-sex relationships including marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships.

McCain opposes the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act which denies the federal rights and responsibilities of marriage from being extended to same-sex couples.

McCain opposes adoption by LGBT people even if it means that kids who need families will remain in orphanages.

McCain supports the ban on openly gay soldiers serving in the military.

McCain would appoint Supreme Court justices that would take anti-LGBT stances like John Roberts and Samuel Alito.

McCain has chosen Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate and she may be even more anti-LGBT than McCain is.

When it comes to LGBT civil rights, we cannot afford to have John McCain and Sarah Palin in the White House.

Join Gays Won’t Let Friends Vote McCain on Facebook.

Cross-posted at Bloggernista