Social issues Political positions of Kirsten Gillibrand

1 social issues

1.1 lgbt
1.2 abortion , contraception
1.3 gun laws

social issues
lgbt

while running new york s 20th congressional district in 2006, gillibrand said in interview favors legalizing civil unions across country , leaving issue of same-sex marriage states decide. senator, gillibrand said in 2010 supported legalization of same-sex marriage in state of new york.

the human rights campaign, lgbt advocacy group, gave gillibrand score of 80 out of 100 110th congress (when gillibrand in house), , perfect scores of 100 out of 100 111th, 112th, , 113th congresses (when gillibrand in senate).

while in house of representatives, voted both sexual orientation employment nondiscrimination act (enda) , local law enforcement hate crimes prevention act of 2007.

following appointment senate, gillibrand became first new york senator support same-sex marriage. on morning of appointment senate, called empire state pride agenda reiterate full support same-sex marriage. gillibrand supported repeal of defense of marriage act (doma) , don t ask, don t tell policy. in april 2009, gillibrand endorsed governor paterson s proposed legislation legalize same-sex marriage in new york.

in july 2009, gillibrand announced considering introducing amendment defense authorization bill impose 18-month moratorium on discharge of gays serving in military. decided against introducing amendment, not amass 60 votes required avoid filibuster, told blog daily beast able secure commitment of senate armed services committee hold hearings on don t ask, don t tell in fall of 2009. however, hearings postponed , began on february 2, 2010. repeal passed both houses of congress , signed president obama on december 22, 2010. in 2010, human rights campaign gave 100% rating lgbt advocacy group.

on march 16, 2011, gillibrand, along senators feinstein , leahy, introduced bill repeal doma.

in 2011, gillibrand heavily lobbied undecided members of new york state senate pass bill legalizing same-sex marriage in new york. bill passed new york state senate , new york state assembly, , signed new york governor andrew cuomo, on june 24, 2011.

abortion , contraception

gillibrand supports abortion rights, stating on senate website, protect woman s right choose—no matter what. gillibrand has voted in favor of federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, contraception, , supporting united nations population fund programs. in 2010 gillibrand voted against ben nelson s proposed amendment patient protection , affordable care act have prohibited government allowing insurance plans cover abortion in national healthcare exchange. expressed strong opposition house republicans no taxpayer funding abortion act in 2011, stating, in opinion, act disregards women’s rights , restricts ability of women access affordable health care.

gun laws

gillibrand s position on gun rights has changed being against strict gun control in house being more flexible on issue since joined senate. while in house, had received 100% positive rating national rifle association, , sponsored amendment 2008 farm bill have allowed expanded hunting on public lands. on other hand, gillibrand worked strengthen national instant criminal background check system improvement act.

gillibrand s pro-gun rights positions received scrutiny after appointment senate , object of criticism of fellow new york democrats, particularly in new york city area. within days of being named senate, gillibrand indicated pro-gun rights position flexible . late 2010, nra had regraded gillibrand f rating, citing votes against nra-backed bills.

in 1 of first votes senator, gillibrand voted reject measure have expanded gun rights in district of columbia. while gillibrand s spokesman characterized vote consistent previous view local governments have right determine gun restrictions, albany times union noted position counter vote 5 months earlier on identical house bill. coauthored gun trafficking prevention act of 2009 congresswoman carolyn mccarthy, longtime advocate of gun control. gillibrand opposed federal legislation have allowed american citizens carry concealed firearms across state lines if legally allowed carry weapons in home states.

gillibrand s support of gun rights has been characterized more support of hunters rights. despite mother being avid hunter, gillibrand has never hunted before, though has shot skeet.

cite error: there <ref group=note> tags on page, references not show without {{reflist|group=note}} template (see page).