GLBT Issues Platform

We, the Virginia Young Democrats, affirm that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights are an integral part of in the well-being of our commonwealth and recognize the belief in treating people of all sexual orientations and gender identity equally.

We insist that LGBT people in the workforce are treated equally. With that in mind, we support a person's right to protection from those who use their perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity in a negative manner. Also, we support domestic partnership benefits. We demand that lesbian and gay couples are treated to the same benefits that straight couples experience in the business environment.

We speak out against the Marriage Amendment in Virginia's Constitution. We disagree with writing discrimination of any kind in Virginia's Constitution. The writers of the Constitution wrote it to protect people, not discriminate against them. Within that same vein, the Virginia Young Democrats support marriage for all consenting adults who wish to engage in this civil contract. Whether from the state or federal level, we support both routes. We support a religion's right to recognizing sanctimonious marriage for certain people or all people. However, we do not recognize a government's right to do the same as we expect the government to treat all people equally in regards to marriage rights.

We recognize the importance of supporting GLBT youth. With that, establishing GLBT caucus groups within Young Democrat groups is extremely important. We recognize the difficulty and the bravery of coming out and the issues associated with it.

We denounce the policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". The military is no place for discrimination, only equality. Everyone should have the ability to act openly about their sexual orientation. Even if there are consequences for speaking about sexuality, they should be equal across the board, not heavily weighted against one side of the sexual orientation spectrum.

Do you agree? If so, join the Lambda Caucus and Pledge to Vote for Democrats on November 4!