Sarah Palin, John McCain’s running mate and Log Cabin Republican’s BFF, recently said that if elected she would push for a Federal Marriage Amendment that would ban marriage between same-sex couples. That did not sit well with newlywed Ellen DeGeneres.

In this clip Ellen shares how she really feels about Palin and her plan to write discrimination against LGBT people and our families.

There has never been a presidential nominee from either political party that is as supportive of LGBT civil rights as Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee. He has long fought for civil and equal rights for minorities including the LGBT community. And, in the presidential campaign, Sen. Obama has included LGBT Americans numerous times in his speeches.

After the jump is a list of Sen. Obama’s positions on LGBT issues.

Sen. Obama’s strong support for LGBT civil rights did not begin with his decision to run for the presidency. As an Illinois State Senator, Senator Obama’s advocacy on behalf of minorities included championing the equal rights of LGBT people when he became the chief co-sponsor of the Illinois Employment Non-Discrimination Bill which eventually became Illinois law.

Here are Sen Obama’s position on key LGBT issues:

Sen. Obama supports passage of an inclusive ENDA and the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act

Sen. Obama wrote in A Call For Full Equality:

I will also place the weight of my administration behind the enactment of the Matthew Shepard Act to outlaw hate crimes and a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act to outlaw workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. I have supported fully inclusive protections since my days in the Illinois legislature, when I sponsored a bill to outlaw workplace discrimination that expressly included both sexual orientation and gender identity.

Sen. Obama supports repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

Sen. Obama wrote in A Call For Full Equality:

I will also fight to repeal the U.S. military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, a law that should never have been passed, and my Defense Department will work with top military leaders to implement that repeal.

Sen. Obama supports the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act

Sen. Obama wrote in an open letter to the LGBT community:

While some say we should repeal only part of the law, I believe we should get rid of that statute altogether. Federal law should not discriminate in any way against gay and lesbian couples, which is precisely what DOMA does.

Sen. Obama has committed to developing a national AIDS strategy

Sen. Obama told the Washington Blade:

If elected, during my first year in office, I will develop and implement a comprehensive national HIV/AIDS strategy that includes all federal agencies. That strategy will reduce HIV infections, increase access to care and reduce HIV-related health disparities. Congress should pass the JUSTICE Act to combat infection within our prison population. And, as President, I will continue to confront the stigma — too often tied to homophobia — that continues to surround HIV/AIDS.

Sen. Obama supports civil unions with equal federal benefits for same-sex couples

Sen. Obama wrote in A Call For Full Equality:

As President, I will use the bully pulpit to urge states to treat same-sex couples with full equality in their family and adoption laws. I personally believe that civil unions represent the best way to secure that equal treatment. But I also believe that the federal government should not stand in the way of states that want to decide on their own how best to pursue equality for gay and lesbian couples – whether that means a domestic partnership, a civil union, or a civil marriage.

Sen. Obama opposes anti-gay state constitutional amendments such as those pending in California, Florida and Arizona

Sen. Obama wrote in letter to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club:

As the Democratic nominee for President, I am proud to join with and support the LGBT community in an effort to set our nation on a course that recognizes LGBT Americans with full equality under the law. That is why I support extending fully equal rights and benefits to same sex couples under both state and federal law. That is why I support repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy, and the passage of laws to protect LGBT Americans from hate crimes and employment discrimination. And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states.

Sen. Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2006

Sen. Obama would appoint fair-minded justices to the Supreme Court

Sen. Obama’s positions are a stark contrast to John McCain’s long record of opposition to LGBT civl rights. For anyone who cares about LGBT people, it has to be clear that a vote for John McCain is a vote for discrimination against LGBT people.

I recently had the chance to talk to Steve Hildebrand, the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Obama Campaign and the highest ranking gay staffer for the campaign.

Steve has spent more than twenty years organizing some of the most targeted and high profile political campaigns in the nation and is recognized as one of the best political strategists in the United States. Working extensively in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota, Steve has managed races and ran two political parties. He served as Midwest Political Director for the DNC during the Clinton re-elect in 1996 and as Political Director at the DSCC in 97/98. In 99/2000, Steve ran the Iowa caucuses for Vice President Gore and ran the Women Vote! Program for EMILY’s List in 2000. He managed Senator Tim Johnson’s campaign in 2002 and Senator Tom Daschle’s campaign in 2004. In 2007, decided to serve as the Deputy Campaign Manager for Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.

The full interview, with discussion ranging from LGBT voter outreach to Anti-Gay Marriage Amendments to a fully-inclusive ENDA, after the jump.

Waymon Hudson- Florida is a battleground state, and it has been reported, a top priority for the Obama Campaign. How does LGBT voter outreach play in to that? Are there specific LGBT “get out the vote” efforts?

Steve Hildebrand- There are many LGBT organizers in the state- but we always need more. Voters of all backgrounds have a tremendous amount at stake in election- whether it be in foreign policy, the economic crisis, or whether issues are gay-related- there is a lot a stake. People have to get involved and make sure their issues are answered.

WH- Florida is facing a dangerous “Marriage Protection” Amendment that would not only ban same-sex marriage, but also roll back domestic partnerships and benefits (much like what happened in Michigan). While the campaign has said Obama does not support this (and other state amendments like California and Arizona), will Obama and his top level surrogates be talking about this during campaign stops? It seems like Obama taking a strong stand on this would make the point to many in the community that he will be a strong supporter of the LGBT community once elected.

SH- Obama is very clear that there should not be any amendment that writes discrimination into the constitution. He has made the fact that he does not support these amendments very clear. That being said, he is running for national office. He feels it might not be appropriate for him to tell Floridians how to vote since he is not a Floridian. But that being said, there is no question where he stands on it.

WH- HIV/AIDS is a huge issue in Florida and around the country. What is Obama’s plan domestically to combat the rising rates of infection?

SH- Awareness and education are critical. Prevention is key- through education and regular testing. Barack is one of the few political figures to have taken an HIV/AIDS test in public, both in Africa and LA, which has a huge impact to encourage testing. We have to find the funds to fight HIV/AIDS- we have to make sure drugs are available to those that can’t afford them so they can live a strong, healthy, dignified life. And we have to educate that this is not just an LGBT disease; all communities are affected by HIV/AIDS.

WH- What important LGBT issue could he act on quickly if President, what would be most likely to pass?

SH- There are a lot of important issues, but if I advised Barack, I would say to seek passage of an Employment Non Discrimination Act. Jobs and employment security is vitally important to LGBT Americans and no one should be afraid to lose their job because for their sexual orientation. That is a vital piece of legislation that could affect huge numbers of LGBT Americans and a basic right no one should be without.

WH- Would he sign a non-inclusive ENDA or hold out for a fully-inclusive one? Would he actively lobby for a fully inclusive ENDA?

SH- Barack has made it clear that gender identity and expression are vital parts of any legislation passed, especially ENDA. He solidly supports a fully-inclusive ENDA.

WH- There have been reports of voter suppression (McCain and RNC emails confusing voters, new Florida voting laws) which could harm both Obama and the fight against Amendment 2 and other anti-LGBT legislation around the country. How is the campaign combating these tactics?

SH- Well first, shame any Republican who wants to suppress votes. Political games should never be played with the right to vote. Democrats need to find any way possible- through early voting, absentee ballots- to make sure the basic right to vote is upheld. That may not suit Republicans, but it is important to give more opportunities to vote- better voting hours, vote by mail options. It should be easier, not harder to vote. Every vote needs to be counted.

WH- Immigration Equality for LGBT couples is an important issue in Florida and around the country. What would Obama do to help keep bi-national LGBT couples, many who are forced to split or leave the country since there is no national recognition of same-sex relationships, together?

SH- Barack does not feel like he gets to decide what a family should look like. Families should stay together. There are complications with immigration issues, but there are ways to work that out legislatively, to help work towards the opportunity for couples to stay together. Barack has been speaking with the Human Rights Campaign and other groups to talk about how that issue can be solved quickly.

WH- Would Obama put LGBT people in high level administration positions?

SH- Barack would run his administration the way he has lived his life and run his campaign. Diversity is important to him, and to Michelle- it is critically important to him that he hears different voices and different opinions. Barack has always sought out different opinions in his life and would continue to do so once in office. There would definitely be strong LGBT voices in his administration.

WH- Is there anything else you’d like to tell LGBT voters?

SH- This election is in a dead heat- people’s involvement is vital. There is a lot at stake. We need a strong advocate in the White House, an advocate like Obama- certainly not someone like McCain and Palin. As a gay American, I want a strong advocate for my issues, for the things that are important to me and my rights. I get that with Obama, but not with McCain/Palin.

People need to participate. If you are not registered to vote, do it, register. If people you know aren’t registered, walk them through it. Time is running out to make sure your voice is heard. Get out, volunteer, give what you can, but most importantly get out and vote.

For information on how to register to vote, get an absentee ballot, or check your voter information, go to VoteForChange.com.

For more information on the Obama Campaign, visit BarackObama.com.

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

When the stakes in an election are high and our chances of victory are quite good, we can become so invested in winning that we start making threats about what we’ll do if we lose – whether we are opposing Proposition 8 in California or supporting Barack Obama for President. I have heard things like, “I’ll boycott,” or “I’ll leave the country.” We should resist these impulses because they are untrue (how many would actually emigrate?), they waste energy, and they give comfort to our adversaries. Social conservatives would love to see LGBT folk disappear.

Consider the logical result of boycotting states that pass anti-gay ballot initiatives. Such a stance would already exclude us from three-fourths of the country, not to mention punishing friends in those states. Fortunately, a more proactive approach has gained strength in recent years, as statewide groups – members of the Equality Federation – improve advocacy and organizing to elect allies and eliminate discriminatory policies in the states.

Some states, of course, are further along than others in the fight for marriage equality. We stand a better chance this year of defeating California’s Proposition 8 than Arizona’s Proposition 102. It is perfectly reasonable for donors to direct greater support toward fights where we stand the best chance of winning. But our long-term success depends on building capacity across the country in addition to preserving our victories in Massachusetts and California. There is plenty of work for all of us, and no use for hand-wringing and crying doom. To help defeat anti-gay amendments to state constitutions, visit votenoprop102.com for Arizona, noonprop8.com for California, and votenoon2.com for Florida.

As for the presidential election, given the recklessness, dishonesty and desperation of the McCain campaign, and the appalling prospect of another four years of Republican residency at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, I have some sympathy for those who say they will do something dire if Obama loses. But their time would be better spent seeing that he doesn’t lose.

The past eight years have shown the tactical advantage enjoyed by ruthless individuals. Many deeply religious people are uncomfortable making a public show of their piety, just as many who love their country cannot stand to make a public show of their patriotism. Unfortunately, this modesty can have the effect of leaving the field to those without such scruples, which results in a rapacious few wielding disproportionate influence. It’s easier to turn a crowd into a mob through fear than to persuade them with reason. When lies follow upon lies in an endless barrage, as with the McCain campaign, it can wear you down to the point where you feel like disengaging altogether. That is how the Rovians are hoping you’ll react.

If ever there was a time to make it clear that fundamentalists have no monopoly on faith, this is it. If ever there was a time for rescuing patriotism from intolerant jingoists, this is it. The particular gifts of the Democratic presidential nominee – his organizing skills, his eloquence, his sharp mind and dry wit, his cool temperament and his toughness – give us a rare opportunity on Nov. 4 to reclaim the “sacred honor” to which America’s founders mutually pledged, and which lately has been sullied.

With the huge increase in new voter registrations, aggressive voter turnout efforts can make the difference in many states, including some traditionally red states. Don’t be swayed by naysayers, and don’t just talk to people who agree with you. At lgbtforobama.com you can find materials for persuading family and friends, and at barackobama.com you can find grassroots groups in your state that you can join.

The same activist spirit is seen in the response to a recent spate of attacks against gay people in Washington, D.C. Instead of waiting for someone else to act, people are getting organized. The GLBT Anti-Violence Working Group has a new webpage at glovdc.org. Whether the solution is renewed education efforts, citizen patrols, improved cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit, or the self-defense measures advocated at pinkpistols.org, the point is to channel our outrage into a sustainable program.

Let’s rise to the momentous times we are in by refusing to be either victims or spectators, by taking ownership and saying we will not be driven out or marginalized in our own city, in our own country. Let’s play to win.

Copyright © 2008 by Richard J. Rosendall. All rights reserved. Rick can be contacted at rrosendall@starpower.net.

I walked into the convention hall today, on my way to the LGBT Caucus (and on my way to pick up a credential to get me into the Pepsi Center today), when I saw San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. After what he did in San Francisco, and what came of it on the California Supreme Court, I couldn’t just pass him by. (It didn’t hurt that he was taller and more handsome in person than he is in his pictures.) I had to stop and thank him.

I told him, I was just on my way to the LGBT caucus and that just wanted to stop and thank him. To which he responded “Thank you!” One of his aides overheard me say where I was going, and invited me to walk with them since they were going to the LGBT caucus too.

And then we stepped into the hall, and heard the announcement that Del Martin just passed away. She died quietly, surrounded by her family and friends. There was a gasp, and a moment of stunned silence.

And as I thought about Del, I realized that before she died she got to do something that perhaps she never thought she would: after 55 years together, she got to marry the woman she loved. Something Gavin Newsom helped happen, and something that some people with deep-pockets want to keep us from doing.

Mayor Newsom had only just heard of Del’s passing himself, and spoke of his experience meeting Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, and helping them get married. I was typing as fast as I could, but I didn’t manage to capture of his words. Still, they are paraphrased below.

…They are two people who defined love and constancy, and defined ― to my mind ― what marriage is supposed to be about.

…They were able to ultimately live their life out loud. Now the questions is will we be able to offer the same chance to thousands of couples in California. They will do everything in their power to stop us.

[Now we face a vote on] whether [Del and Phyllis'] lives matter, and whether their marriage matters as much as mine. Let me assure you their lives matter as much, and so do the lives of millions of Americans like them.

…Let me just end by saying, we need your help. Massachusetts and its leadership, the LGBT community and its leadership … we need your help to defeat proposition 8 in California. We can’t afford to think about waking up disappointed the day after the election. This would be a monumental setback in our community.

…I believe this is the second most important election in the country, and some will argue that it may even be more important. This is bout basic human dignity.

Sitting here at the convention, I feel good knowing that there are people who are on our side, and ― I dare say ― have done more to prove it than John McCain and/or the Republicans have ever thought about doing. After her big speech at the convention, Michelle Obama’s next stop was to speak at the LGBT delegates luncheon. Last night I sat and listened to Hillary Clinton include gay rights in her speech.

And in Barack Obama, we have a nominee who stood with the majority in the Senate, and opposed attempts to bring a constitutional amendment against marriage equality to a vote. We have a nominee who supports a full repeal of DOMA. We have a candidate who opposes constitutional amendments like the one on the ballot in California. We have a candidate who supports full recognition of our relationships, and support adoption for our families.

Our other choice is a candidate who proudly led the effort to ban marriage equality in his state, and supports the amendment in California. Our other choice is a candidate who voted for DOMA. Our other choice is a candidate who opposes civil unions and full legal recognition of our relationships. Our other choice is a candidate who opposes adoption for our families. Our other choice is a candidate who would appoint justices to the Supreme Court who would almost certainly overturn Lawrence v. Texas.

Compare them for yourself, and the choice is clear.

And then ask yourself what I asked myself. What’s the best way to remember Del between now and November? How can we best honor and continue the work that she started and carried on for longer than I and some of the rest of us have been alive?

Again, I think the choice is clear.