In the upcoming and already eventful 2024 United States Presidential Election, both major party candidates have been frequently accused of being coy, vague, or even outright ignoring various issues. The recent Presidential debate has been cited by the media as physical evidence of the candidates doing exactly that. However, with extensive research, both candidates’ positions can be coherently discovered. Seeing as it’s (probably) a good idea to know a candidate’s position on the issues before you vote for them or not, I researched and compiled their positions for you.
Identity
Trump has softened his rhetoric against LGBTQ Americans and seems to personally currently favor gay marriage despite previously complicated personal feelings on the issue, as he had removed anti-gay marriage messaging from the 2024 Republican Platform, and in 2020 he launched a line of merchandise for his LGBTQ supporters. However, on multiple occasions, he repealed Obama Era protections and argued before the Supreme Court that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act did not protect sexual orientation and gender identity. Two out of the three of his Supreme Court appointments do not generally vote in favor of LGBTQ protections in cases that are heard by the court. He has also banned transgender people from serving in the Military unless they met certain standards. Harris has been the first ever sitting Vice President to attend a Pride Parade, back in June of 2021. In the Senate, she was a co-sponsor of the Equality Act. Harris has attempted to ally herself with LGBTQ groups and has pointed out the perceived flaws in Trump’s policy towards them. It is also pointed out that President Biden repealed Trump’s ban on transgenders in the military. She advocates for stronger protections for them overall.
