GLBT Candidate Questionnaire: Tammy Lee

For the 5th district primary, I sent out a candidate questionnaire to the DFL candidates to get an idea where they stand on important GLBT issues, and they all responded. For the general election, I sent the same questions to Tammy Lee, Alan Fine and Jay Pond, as well as extended an opportunity for an interview. Ellison and Lee have done the interview, and completed the questions. Pond did an interview which I'll post tomorrow, and Fine has not responded.

LGBT people serve in our military, and they often have to hide their sexual orientation, and sometimes their partner or family during their service to our country. Others have been victims of witch hunts and removed from the military, even if they didn't "tell". If elected, would you support a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"?

Lee: Yes, I would support a full repeal---but also ensure that military leaders understood the ramifications if they still chose to discrimate. No person should be discriminated against in any situation, especially one as noble as serving our country, and no one should never have to fear recrimination for their sexual orientation.

Would you support including transgender or gender identity in any federal hate crimes legislation or employment non-discrimination legislation?

Lee: absolutely.

Federal funding for HIV prevention is currently governed by the "Helms Amendment," which mandates that HIV prevention not "promote homosexual behavior." This ties the hands of many prevention programs targeting the LGBT community from educating the community about sexual health. How would you work to change this?


Lee: I would introduce a bill to remove that discriminatory language.

Same-sex couples struggle every day to create families and relationships without having the benefits of marriage. How would you work in Washington to secure federal benefits, such as Social Security for a surviving spouse, for same-sex couples?

Lee: I applaud the work of the Human Rights Campaign, which is an outspoken, respected advocate on these issues. Because of their leadership, I would work with them to know what other Congress members are also supportive of guaranteeing same-sex couples equal rights. I would work with those members to co-author a bill that would finally ensure all couples have civil union rights, including all benefits currently given to heterosexual couples.