“Our country is defined by the rights we protect, and those of us who fought for freedom and put our lives on the line defended the right of people to do things that we disagree with. I would not be pleased to see someone burning the flag because I love the flag, but the Constitution that I fought for preserves the right of free expression.” (Associated Press policy Q&A, “Flag Amendment” Jan 25, 2004
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“I have always fought for the right of people to be able to be treated equally in America. Long before there was a television show or a march in Washington. In 1985, I was the sole sponsor of the Civil Rights Act to make sure we enforced that in America. I am for partnership rights. I am for civil union. I am for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. I am for the hate crimes legislation.” (CNN “Rock The Vote” Democratic Debate Nov 5, 2003
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Voted YES on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Bill S.625 ; vote number 2002-147 on Jun 11, 2002
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Voted NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business. This legislation would have abolished a program that helps businesses owned by women or minorities compete for federally funded transportation. (Motion to invoke cloture; Bill S.1173 ; vote number 1997-275 on Oct 23, 1997)
Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex marriage. The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA): Vote to prohibit marriage between members of the same sex in federal law, and provide that no state is required to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Define 'marriage' as 'between one man and one woman. (Bill HR 3396 ; vote number 1996-280 on Sep 10, 1996)
Voted YES on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. Status: Bill Defeated Y)49; N)50; NV)1(Employment Non-Discrimination Act; Bill S. 2056 ; vote number 1996-281 on Sep 10, 1996)
Voted NO on Amendment to prohibit flag burning. Approval of a constitutional amendment which would prohibit desecration or burning of the U.S. flag. Status: Joint Res. Defeated Y)63; N)36 (Flag Desecration Bill; Bill S. J. Res. 31 ; vote number 1995-600 on Dec 12, 1995)
Voted NO on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds. Vote to disallow any funds in the Legislative Appropriations bill from being used to award, require, or encourage any Federal contract, if the contract is being awarded on the basis of the race, color, national origin, or gender of the contractor. (Bill HR 1854 ; vote number 1995-317 on Jul 20, 1995)