George Pataki Enters GOP Race With A Pro-LGBT Edge

Image via GeorgePataki.com

The LGBT community may have just gained an ally in the GOP race. Former New York Republican Governor George Pataki announced his candidacy for the 2016 presidential race last Thursday.

Although he's the eighth candidate to join the race for Republican nomination, Pataki may have a competitive edge with more liberal voters. Described as pro-choice and pro-gun regulation, he also has a history of pushing LGBT-friendly legislation:

In 2000, Pataki signed a hate crime bill into law that added gays and lesbians to the list of protected people. It was also the first New York State law to include the words "gay" and "lesbian" or the phrase "sexual orientation."

In 2002, he signed the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA), a bill that prohibited abuse, harassment, and discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public services based on sexual orientation. This earned him an endorsement for re-election from the Empire State Pride Agenda.

In 2004, he expressed his opposition to an amendment banning same-sex marriage proposed by President George W. Bush. Pataki has stated that the decision should be left up to the states.

Although his track record shows a more progressive approach than his running mates (see Rick Santorum), he recently encouraged Republicans not to focus on social issues, such as abortion and gay rights. Though this may have been a "safe" move for his campaign, it remains unclear how firm Pataki stands in his past decisions.

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