New York Gov. David Paterson named Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand to fill the Senate seat vacated by the former senator and brand new Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The governor and gay rights activists apparently won some concessions from the conservative "Blue Dog" Democrat, who apparently strategically changed her positions on marriage equality and civil unions and will now become the Empire State's first senator to support marriage equality.
David Paterson's choice of Kristin Gillibrand is, by the estimate of the New York pols I talk to, a pretty good pick: A young woman who won a hard-fought, bruising upset in a Republican district in 2006 and held her seat with unexpected ease last year. She has a "moderate" reputation for her pro-gun stance -- but is more or less a down-the-line liberal Democrat; the gun position draws her some flack on her left flank to the same degree that it protects her right and strengthens her upstate. But she assured the state's leading gay rights group yesterday that she backs same-sex marriage, and shows no other conservative leanings.
Paterson explained the logic behind his choice a few days ago: "My job is not to pick the person who is popular today," he said. "It's the person who is going to be popular in 2010, when they run for re-election."
Gillibrand has the support of New York’s largest LGBT rights group—the Empire State Pride Agenda—following a late night telephone conversation with Executive Director Alan Van Capelle.
"After talking to Kirsten Gillibrand, I am very happy to say that New York is poised to have its first U.S. Senator who supports marriage equality for same-sex couples," says Van Capelle. "She also supports the full repeal of the federal DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) law, repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) and passage of legislation outlawing discrimination against transgender people. While we had a productive discussion about a whole range of LGBT concerns, I was particularly happy to hear where she stands on these issues."
For the most part, the new senator has a fairly strong record on LGBT issues. Gillibrand earned an 80 out of a 100 rating from the Human Rights Campaign. Gillibrand was a co-sponsor of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Act—which would have allowed federal charges to brought in hate crimes against gays—and a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which ultimately passed the House in 2007 but without transgender protections.
However: As a representative Gillibrand has opposed legislation to grant same-sex partners of U.S. citizens and permanent residents the same immigration benefits of married couples and opposed legislation to permit state Medicaid programs to cover low-income, HIV-positive Americans before they develop AIDS.
But going forward gay activists are certain the former congresswoman from the Republican-leaning district will be a strong vote for equality. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese describes Gov. Paterson’s pick as "a step forward for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community" and says she brings "a strong record of support and understanding. Gillibrand has already spoken out in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples; hate crimes protection legislation covering our entire community; fully inclusive employment non-discrimination legislation, and the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’."
After the jump, HRC outlines Gillibrand's positions on equality.
Although Kirsten Gillibrand did not co-sponsor legislation to repeal DADT, her decision does not mean that Gillibrand supports the policy or would oppose the repeal. In fact, in recent conversations with Kirsten Gillibrand’s office the Human Rights Campaign has confirmed Gillibrand is in favor of repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and supports full marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples.
Additionally, HRC confirmed with Gillibrand’s staff additional points regarding her LGBT record:
- Supports marriage equality
- Cosponsored and voted in favor of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act
- Cosponsored inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and supports enactment of inclusive bill
- Voted in favor of ENDA
- Supports repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
- Supports repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act
- Supports equal tax treatment of employer provided domestic partnership benefits
- Voted against allowing discrimination in hiring for the Head Start program
- Voted in favor of allowing Washington, DC to fund needle exchange programs with local funds
- Supports the Early Treatment of HIV/AIDS Act (ETHA) to allow states to provide Medicaid coverage for HIV-positive persons
- Voted against procedural attempts to derail ENDA and hate crimes
- Endorsed by HRC PAC in 2008
Wow, pro gay rights, pro Bush tax cuts and, pro NRA at the same time? After reading some news about her, I wonder if she actually even has a chance to be elected on her own in 2010. Many progressives and liberals are mighty hot right now about the choice, and, this may not help Governor Paterson as much as he might like to think.
Posted by: Luther | 23 January 2009 at 15:37
She changed her position on gay issues once it became clear she would get getting this job. She's a conservative, and future Lieberman. I don't believe a word she says.
Posted by: the Gay Numbers | 23 January 2009 at 18:37
Yes, it's well reported Gillibrand changed her position rather quickly on marriage. But she supported ENDA, DADT and hate crimes. And let's also not forget this is a GOP leaning district and she was the first Democrat elected in 20 years. NYS, especially upstate, is far more conservative than many people believe.
I'll count my allies where I can get them. I thought the purpose in activism and organizing was to convince politicians to support you ... not rag on the sincerity of those who do change positions.
PS Meanwhile we have a president who supported marriage equality before he went into the state senate and US senate. No one, myself included, is questioning Obama's sincerity but politics is what it is.
Posted by: Eddy | 23 January 2009 at 19:03
I think she will be good for NY. Her record may not be all that but hell, nobody has a perfect record
Posted by: Viktor | 23 January 2009 at 22:58
Civillywedd.com wishes Kirsten Gillibrand the best in her efforts to support LGBT Marriage along with Governor Paterson
Posted by: Ringbearer | 24 January 2009 at 14:58