This year's Democratic platform is
being called the most LGBT-inclusive in the party's 188-year history.
The 56-page document weaves references
to LGBT rights throughout. One plank, titled Guaranteeing
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights, is specific in its
inclusion.
According to the Washington
Blade the document “endorses LGBT comprehensive
non-discrimination legislation (although it doesn't explicitly
address the Equality Act by name), condemns violence against
transgender people, endorses the U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor
of same-sex marriage and repudiates state laws seeking to undermine
LGBT rights.”
“But there is still much work to be
done,” the platform states. “LGBT kids continue to be bullied at
school, restaurants can refuse to serve transgender people, and
same-sex couples are at risk of being evicted from their homes. That is
unacceptable and must change.”
The platform, ratified Monday by
delegates gathering in Philadelphia, stands in contrast to what
Republicans ratified last week at their convention in Cleveland. The
GOP platform calls for the undermining or reversal of the Supreme
Court's 2015 ruling that led to nationwide marriage equality and
supports so-called conversion therapy to minors and state laws that
restrict transgender bathroom use.