Tim Kaine on Civil Rights

Democratic Senate Challenger; previously Governor

Strong supporter of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

I signed an executive order that banned discrimination against state employees based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, veteran status or disability. I also convened the Virginia Sexual Violence Commission and adopted many of their recommendations, which improved prevention and response to sexual violence in the Commonwealth. I have been a strong supporter of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which guarantees equal pay for equal work. Source: 2012 Senate campaign website, kaineforva.com , Oct 9, 2012

Obama fought for equal pay for women

President Obama said he'd pass health care reform, and he did. He promised he'd fight for equal pay for women, college affordability for students and fair treatment for LGBT Americans--and he's kept his word. He's a tough leader who gets results. Let's come together, show how tough we are and prove our best days will always be ahead of us. Source: 2012 Democratic National Convention speech , Sep 4, 2012

Obama fought for fair treatment for LGBT Americans

No discrimination against nominating gay judges

The General Assembly blocked a gay judicial nominee's appointment to the bench in Richmond: veteran prosecutor Tracy Thorne-Begland, who came out as gay as a naval officer 20 years ago. [Opponents say he] was unfit for the bench because he had challenged the military's ban on gays openly serving in the military, advocated for gay marriage & lives with a partner with whom he is raising twins.

George Allen said he objected to anti-gay discrimination in principle but refused to take a position on whether it had played a role in Thorne-Begland's rejection: [selections should be] "based on fidelity to the Constitution and laws--judges should apply the law, not invent it or impose their own political views."

A spokesman for Tim Kaine has equated Thorne- Begland's rejection to discrimination: "Gov. Kaine believes that the only standard for selecting judges should be their qualifications. This type of discrimination has no place in government, and serves to pit Virginians against one another."

Source: Washington Post on 2012 Virginia Senate debate , May 21, 2012

GOP agenda on gay marriage is divisive social legislation

All four GOP candidates voiced support for the Defense of Marriage Act, which preserves states' rights not to recognize same-sex marriages. Marshall, the General Assembly's most outspoken social conservative, said he would consider impeaching any judge who refused to uphold the law.

A Kaine spokeswoman said, "Their support for divisive social legislation will only cause more polarization and gridlock in our politics."

Source: The Virginian-Pilot? on 2012 Virginia Senate debate , Apr 29, 2012

Tried to pass laws favoring domestic partnerships

Although Kaine issued an executive order banning discrimination based on sexual orientation, he was unable to push through legislation to allow public institutions to extend health insurance benefits to same-sex couples before the end of his term. Source: Hannah Lea Smith in George Mason University Broadside , Apr 9, 2012

Opposes defining traditional marriage.

Kaine opposes the CC Voters Guide question on same-sex marriage

Christian Coalition publishes a number of special voter educational materials including the Christian Coalition Voter Guides, which provide voters with critical information about where candidates stand on important faith and family issues. The Christian Coalition Voters Guide summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: "Maintaining current federal law defining marriage as one man and one woman"

Source: Christian Coalition Voter Guide 12-CC-q3b on Oct 31, 2012

Kaine is endorsed by by the Feminist Majority on women's rights

The Feminist Majority endorses candidates for the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. In addition to the stronger "endorsement," the organization also determines "preferred" candidates in races where they do not endorse. Their mission statement:

"Our mission is to empower feminists, who are the majority, and to win equality for women at the decision-making tables of the state, nation, and the world. The Feminist Majority promotes non-discrimination on the basis of sex, race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, religion, ethnicity, age, marital status, nation of origin, size or disability. The purpose of Feminist Majority is to promote equality for women and men, non-violence, reproductive health, peace, social justice and economic development and to enhance feminist participation in public policy. Feminist Majority supports workers’ collective bargaining, pay equity, and end of sweatshops. We encourage programs directed at the preservation of the environment."

Source: FeministMajority.org website 12-FemMaj on Oct 31, 2012

Click here for definitions & background information on Civil Rights. Click here for a profile of Tim Kaine. Click here for SenateMatch quiz answers by Tim Kaine. Click here for AmericansElect quiz answers by Tim Kaine. Click here for a summary of Tim Kaine's positions on all issues. Click here for issue positions of other VA politicians.
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Contact info: Campaign website: www.kaineforva.com Email: team@kaineforva.com Mailing Address: PO Box 12307, Richmond, VA 23241 Phone: 804-819-1919

Page last updated: Apr 23, 2013