Poll numbers show Americans are becoming more progressive on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues, but most of the 2012 Iowa caucus candidates oppose expanding gay rights.
Earlier this year, a Gallup poll found just over half of Americans are in favor of same-sex marriage. Still, only two Republican presidential-nomination candidates — California gay-rights activist Fred Karger and former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson — have announced full support for gay rights, including gay marriage.
"Government's role when it comes to marriage is one of granting benefits and rights to couples who choose to enter into a marriage 'contract,' " Johnson said during an online town-hall meeting earlier this month that was co-hosted by GOProud, a gay conservative organization. "As I have examined this issue, consulted with folks on all sides, and viewed it through the lens of individual freedom and equal rights, it has become clear to me that denying those rights and benefits to gay couples is discrimination plain and simple."
But Gary Cass, the CEO of DefendChristians.org, said LGBT items in the political debate aren't issues of rights.
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Complete article at Daily Iowan : http://bit.ly/vWE2PQ
