1@-B4-19096 2-150M FROM JOWATHAN SMEFFER 212 42 9287 pe ‘DEBATE TALKING POINTS: GAY AND LESBIAN ISSUES Prepared by: Richard Socarides office: 202-530-2186 ‘home Fannie) Looth pager: 1-800-sky-gram (pin #) 888-9833 Note: It is appropriate to use the phrase “sexual orientation” but not “sexual preference”, which later phrase implies one’s ability to choose to be gay or straight. SAME-SEX MARRIAGE [Note: The same-sex marriage law has two provisions: one permits states not to recognize sarne- sex marriages preformed in other states and the other provides that no federal benefits be given to same-sex married couples, even if their marriage is recognized in the state in which they reside. Thus, you should not say: “all the same-sex marriage bill docs is allow states to decide for themselves whether to recognize same-sex marriages.”] Q. Many of your gay supporters have been angered by your support of the anti-gay marriage: law. What do you say to them? ‘A. In 19921 stated my opposition to same-sex marriage and recently, as the issuc was raised by some in Congress, | said that if bill consistent with my previously stated position reached my desk, 1 would sign it. I also believe that raising this issue now is divisive and unnecessary, and is calculated only to Score political points at the expense of others. I believe that itis an altempt to divert the American people from the urgent need to confront our challenges together. Q. You have said you oppose discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans, yet you signed legislation which would deny federal benefitsto same-sex parmers, even if they can be legally married where they reside. Isn't that a form of discrimination? A. No, T don't think so and let me explain why. First, I have long stated my personal belief against governmental recognition of same-sex marriage. Having said that, I don’t believe we in America have a persen to waste. Our country is bigger than that. I beliove that all Americans — gay of straight ~ who are willing to work hard, pay their taxes, play by the rules, obey the law and be good citizens -- should be treated fairly and have equal opportunities to prosper. No other president has taken more steps to bring gays and lesbians to the table. And despite my personal feelings about sam¢-sex marriage, I don’t think we as Americans should discriminate against anyone.lO-ed~1805 2:16 FROM JONATHAN SHEFFER 212 428 2007 P32 ~page 2~ Q, You have said you have long opposed same-sex marriage. What is that opposition based on? Is it a religious belief and if so, why should the goverment be prohibited from sanctioning same-sex marriage so long as the church doesn’t have to? ‘A. I's. personal belief based on my collective life experience. This has been my longstanding. Position, [also believe that some have used this issues to try te divide usias Americans. And ‘will do everything in my power to try to prevent that. [DON*T go any further. The more you say, the more trouble it will cause. Everything you say will be picked apart. Stay as general as possible and avoid use of the words “traditional” or “traditional family” and don't talk about marriage as the vehicle by which people have children. Gay people also have children. ] EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST GAYS Q. You have supported and vigorously sdvoeated for legislation which would foree eraployers ~ including local school systems --to hire gays and lesbians. Your opponents say that this is just another part of your liberal social agenda that is out of touch with mainstream America, What do you say to that? ‘A. Diserimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation is eurrently legal in 41 states. Men and women in those states may be fired from their jobs solely because of their sexual orientation, even when it has no bearing on their job performance. Those who face this kind of job discrimination have no legal recourse, in either our state or federal courts. This is ‘wrong. . Individuals should not be denied a job on the basis of something that has no relationship to- their ability to perform their work. The Act] support, however, is careful to apply some exemptions in certain areas. It provides an exemption for small businesses, the Armed Forces, and religious organizations, including schools and other educational institutions that are substantially controlled or supported by religious organizations. This provision, which | believe is essemtial, respects the deeply held religious beliefs of many Americans, Moreover, the bill specifically prohibits preferential treatment on the basis of sexual orientafion, including quotas. Italso does not require employers to provide special benefits. ‘The bill answers all the legitimate objections previously raised agsinst it, while ensuring that Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, can find and keep their jobs based on their ability and the quality of their work.