In recent years, the Republican party has been known for its conservative stance on LGBTQ rights. However, there are many Republicans who support LGBTQ rights and have taken steps to show their support. Here are 15 Republicans you may not have known support LGBTQ rights.
1. John Kasich
Former Governor of Ohio, John Kasich, may have been a presidential candidate in 2016, but he is also known for his support of LGBTQ rights. During his time as governor, he worked to pass an anti-discrimination executive order, which prohibited discrimination against state employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity. He has also expressed support for civil unions and legal protections for same-sex couples.
2. Susan Collins
Considering her background as a supporter of LGBTQ rights, Maine senator Susan Collins is well known for her support of these rights. She was one of the few Republicans who voted in favor of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the policy that prohibited openly gay individuals from serving in the military. She also voted in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would have prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace.
3. Rob Portman
The issue of LGBTQ rights is very personal for Ohio Senator Rob Portman. In 2013, he announced that his son was gay, and he subsequently changed his stance on same-sex marriage. He became the first Republican senator to support marriage equality, and he has also co-sponsored legislation that would protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations.
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4. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
In her career as a former member of Congress, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has supported LGBTQ rights. She was the first Republican in Congress to support marriage equality, and she has also co-sponsored legislation to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination. In addition, she has been an advocate for transgender rights and has worked to ensure that transgender individuals are not discriminated against in healthcare.
5. Charlie Baker
Among the most vocal supporters of LGBTQ rights is Massachusetts’ governor, Charlie Baker. He signed a bill into law that banned conversion therapy for minors, and he has also been a strong advocate for transgender rights. In addition, he has worked to ensure that same-sex couples have access to the same legal protections as heterosexual couples.
6. Brian Sandoval
During his time as governor of Nevada, Brian Sandoval supported LGBTQ rights. He signed a bill into law that banned conversion therapy for minors, and he has also been a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage. In addition, he has worked to ensure that LGBTQ individuals are not discriminated against in employment and housing.
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7. Lisa Murkowski
A longtime supporter of LGBTQ rights, Senator Lisa Murkowski represents Alaska. She was one of the few Republicans who voted in favor of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and she has also co-sponsored legislation to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination. In addition, she has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights.
8. Greg Abbott
While Texas Governor Greg Abbott may not be known for supporting LGBTQ rights, he has taken measures to protect LGBTQ people. He signed a bill into law that banned conversion therapy for minors, and he has also worked to ensure that LGBTQ individuals are not discriminated against in housing and employment.
9. Pat McCrory
Besides signing the controversial “bathroom bill,” former North Carolina governor Pat McCrory has also taken steps to safeguard LGBTQ individuals. He signed an executive order that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity for state employees, and he has also supported civil unions and legal protections for same-sex couples. Although he faced criticism for the “bathroom bill,” he has since expressed regret and apologized for the harm it caused to the LGBTQ community.
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10. Mark Kirk
His moderate views on social issues included supporting the rights of LGBTQ individuals, and he stood up for them as a former senator for Illinois. He was one of the few Republicans who voted in favor of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and he also voted in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. In addition, he was the first Republican senator to co-sponsor the Equality Act, which would provide legal protections for LGBTQ individuals in various areas, including employment, housing, and public accommodations.
11. Arnold Schwarzenegger
A long-time supporter of LGBTQ rights, Arnold Schwarzenegger was the Governor of California from 1994 to 2003. As governor, he vetoed a bill that would have legalized same-sex marriage, but he has since changed his stance and has expressed support for marriage equality. He has also been a vocal advocate for transgender rights, and he has worked to ensure that transgender individuals are not discriminated against in healthcare.
12. Richard Hanna
In his 22nd congressional district, former Representative Richard Hanna supported LGBTQ rights. He was one of the few Republicans who voted in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and he also co-sponsored the Student Non-Discrimination Act, which would have prohibited discrimination against LGBTQ students in public schools. In addition, he was a vocal advocate for marriage equality.
13. Fred Upton
Representative Fred Upton, who represents Michigan’s 6th congressional district, has a record of supporting LGBTQ rights. He was one of the few Republicans who voted in favor of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and he has also co-sponsored legislation to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in the workplace. In addition, he has supported legal protections for same-sex couples, including civil unions.
14. Scott Brown
Former Senator Scott Brown, who represented Massachusetts, may be known for his conservative views, but he has also taken steps to support LGBTQ rights. He was one of the few Republicans who voted in favor of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and he also expressed support for same-sex marriage. In addition, he co-sponsored the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
15. Carlos Curbelo
Curbelo, a moderate Republican from Florida’s 26th congressional district, supported LGBTQ rights. He was one of the few Republicans who co-sponsored the Equality Act, and he also co-sponsored legislation to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in housing and public accommodations. In addition, he was a vocal advocate for transgender rights.
Final Thoughts:
Although the Republican party is often viewed as conservative on social issues, there are many Republicans who support LGBTQ rights. The individuals on this list have taken steps to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination and have expressed support for same-sex marriage, transgender rights, and legal protections for LGBTQ individuals. It is important to recognize and support these individuals who are working to create a more inclusive society.
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