08 hopefuls at odds over gay issues

WashBlade.com – Joshua Lynsen

Task Force report shows stark divide between Dem, GOP candidates

A new report highlights the stark divide between Democratic and Republican presidential candidates when it comes to support for gay rights initiatives.

None of the 11 Republican contenders reviewed by the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force support barring employment discrimination against transgender people or permitting gays to serve openly in the military.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is the only contender to clearly support civil unions or domestic partnerships, according to the June 27 report, which marks the first time the 2008 GOP contenders have been evaluated by a major gay organization.