Republican presidential candidates on LGBT rights

The Republican presidential candidates. (Mark J. Terrill, AP)

Earlier this month, President Obama announced his support of The Equality Act, which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Martin O'Malley, and Bernie Sanders have also endorsed the Equality Act.

In contrast, the Republican presidential field has stood in staunch opposition to progress for LGBT Americans. In fact, the Republican National Committee endorsed a bill that would enshrine discrimination into law under the guise of so-called religious freedom. Democrats understand that these attempts to pass discriminatory laws have nothing to do with freedom — especially when someone can get married over the weekend and get fired on Monday just for being LGBT.

Here's what the major Republican presidential candidates have said about LGBT rights:

Marco Rubio opposed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and said "I'm not for any special protections based on orientation." Rubio defended Indiana's notorious anti-LGBT law and he opposes marriage equality. He said the U.S. Supreme Court would be "ridiculous" to reach the conclusion that there is a right to marry someone of the same sex.

Rand Paul said "I don't think I've ever used the word 'gay rights' because I don't really believe in rights based on your behavior."

John Kasich said he was "very disappointed" with the marriage equality ruling, and he has not yet fixed the fact that Ohio is still a state where you can get fired from your job for being gay.

Carly Fiorina said "I do not agree that the court can or should redefine marriage."

Ted Cruz said the Supreme Court's decision to legalize marriage equality was "among the darkest hours of our nation."

Jeb Bush said the Supreme Court's marriage equality ruling was "really disappointing" and he has endorsed anti-LGBT "religious freedom" laws.
Donald Trump said marriage for same-sex couples was "not my thing" and he said the Supreme Court justices "let us down" when they affirmed marriage equality.
Ben Carson endorsed Indiana's discriminatory law, said that gay marriage led to the fall of the Roman Empire, and said that prison confirms being gay is a choice.
Chris Christie vetoed bipartisan marriage equality legislation, resulting in a year-and-a-half delay before New Jersey's same sex couples could marry. Christie said, "I am not a fan of same-sex marriage. It's not something that I support. I believe marriage should be between one man and one woman."