For more facts on Gov. Romney’s plans for America, a Center for American Progress Action Fund series entitled “Romney University,” click here.
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Endnotes can be viewed in PDF version.
Mitt Romney’s positions on many gay and transgender issues have wavered over the past two decades. But based on his most recent statements from the campaign trail, the Mitt Romney of today certainly does not support the vast majority of laws and policies that make the United States a more fair and equitable country for gay and transgender people as well as their children.
The chart below compares his positions to President Barack Obama’s.
Gov. Romney thinks inequality is A-OK
Mitt Romney thinks it’s OK to fire a worker under federal law because they are gay
It is currently legal in a majority of states to fire someone because they are gay or transgender. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in all 50 states. Mitt Romney opposes this bill, even though 42 percent of gay workers and 90 percent of transgender workers have experienced discrimination on the job.
Mitt Romney thinks it’s OK that older same-sex couples receive less Social Security income than different-sex couples
After decades of paying equally into the Social Security fund, older same-sex couples receive on average $3,000 (male same-sex couples) and $5,000 (female same-sex couples) less in Social Security benefits than different-sex couples. As president, Mitt Romney would support and defend laws like the Defense of Marriage Act, which contribute to same-sex couples’ financial insecurity during their golden years.
Mitt Romney thinks it’s OK that families headed by same-sex parents face a higher tax liability than different-sex parents
Children with same-sex parents live in families who often face a higher tax liability compared to children in families headed by different-sex parents. One estimate finds that families headed by same-sex families can pay $2,200 more in taxes than families headed by different-sex couples. Mitt Romney does not support the kinds of laws that would treat all families the same regardless of sexual orientation.
Mitt Romney thinks it’s OK to strip funding from antibullying initiatives that combat violence against gay and transgender youth
As governor, Mitt Romney used a line-item veto to strip $158,000 from a counseling program to help combat violence against gay and transgender youth. Gov. Romney also prevented the publication of a 120-page antibullying guide by the state of Massachusetts that included two pages on combating bullying of gay and transgender people. If these are any indication of how Mitt Romney would tackle bullying as president, our youth will not receive the support they need to protect them from violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Crosby Burns is a Research Associate and Andrew Phifer is an intern with LGBT Progress at the Center for American Progress.
Download this issue brief (pdf)
Endnotes can be viewed in PDF version.
For more facts on Gov. Romney’s plans for America, a Center for American Progress Action Fund series entitled “Romney University,” click here.