Lincoln Chafee - Independent Candidate for Rhode Island Governor

LGBTQ Issues

Throughout his career, Senator Chafee has been a strong proponent of equal rights for the LGBTQ community. Chafee believes that all Rhode Islanders are deserving of respect, dignity and protection from discrimination, harassment and bullying.

It is worth noting that Chafee is the first non-Democrat to receive the endorsement of eQualityGiving - the online donor community for LGBT Equality. He supports hate crimes legislation in Rhode Island (which has already been achieved federally), non-discrimination policies and laws, repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell, passage of marriage equality, freedom of gender expression, protecting youth from bullying and harassment, and same-sex parenting rights.

If Chafee were elected governor, he would not only sign marriage equality legislation, but would champion it. In his own words from a 2009 op-ed in the Huffington Post, "To me, the issue of same-sex marriage boils down to a question of basic fairness ... Rhode Island legislators should follow in the footsteps of our fellow New England states and be true to our pioneering history of tolerance by advancing a marriage equality bill."

Chafee is deeply concerned about the government’s role in promoting safety for all youth in Rhode Island’s public schools. To prevent bullying and harassment, and to make schools safer for LGBTQ youth, he would support legislation that (1) delineates protected classes such as race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc. in our schools, and (2) ensures that educators have the appropriate training and resources to ensure such laws are enforced. In his public statement expressing sympathy over the recent deaths in the LGBTQ community, Chafee said, “We need to make certain that everyone can feel welcome and safe living, going to school, and working in our state.”

The Chafee campaign is working with the LGBTQ community through an advisory group composed of leaders in the community, and through its OUT For CHAFEE Facebook group.

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Linc Chafee is a tested leader of unquestioned integrity and a strong independent voice. As Governor, he will work hard to create new jobs, rebuild our economy, solve our chronic budget problems, end corruption, and forge a new way forward for Rhode Island.