DAPAC.org

Same-sex couples are denied more than 1,000 federal benefits and protections that come with the right to marry. Even same-sex couples who have shared long-term monogamous relationships are not allowed to care for a seriously ill partner because of federal Family and Medical Leave Act prohibitions. Nor do they qualify for Social Security benefits when a partner dies. This is bias sponsored by the U.S. government.

The bias against gay and lesbian citizens is also shown in Bush's efforts to amend the US Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, which would have tarnished the document at the soul of our democracy. Republicans continue to work against establishing equal rights. For instance, most Republicans in Congress voted against a recent measure to extend the definition of hate crimes to acts based on gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Other Republican leaders have made homophobic statements, like Dr. James Holsinger, Bush's nominee for surgeon general, who has written that homosexuality is unnatural.

Progressive Democrats are ready to stand up to the right wing and fight for equality for all Americans.