Issue Position: Civil Liberties

Issue Position

Since September 11, 2001, our nation has struggled to find a balance between protecting national security and safeguarding civil liberties. In my view, this struggle has led to a dangerous expansion of executive power. While President Obama has issued executive orders rolling back many of the past decade's worst abuses, Congress must go further to ensure that the executive branch respects our nation's founding principles regardless of who is in the White House.

Americans should feel secure in our country's basic civil rights, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion.

Civil Liberties:

I voted against the PATRIOT Act in October of 2001 because it drastically expanded the authority of law enforcement and left Americans vulnerable to abuse and violations of privacy. I also voted against the reauthorization of the Patriot Act's surveillance provisions in 2011. I believe that government agencies should always have to attain a court order to monitor the communication of American citizens without their knowledge. While we need to give the intelligence community the proper tools to target those planning attacks on American soil, we must not sacrifice civil liberties out of fear.

Torture:

While I am glad that President Obama has made it clear that torture and rendition have no place in his administration, Congress must ensure that this principle is clearly enshrined in law. Torture, including water boarding and other so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques" are immoral and unworthy of the United States. Selectively interpreting the Geneva Convention destroys our credibility as a leader on human rights.

Terror Suspects:

I have cosponsored legislation to restore habeas corpus, which would reaffirm that prisoners of the United States have the basic right to challenge their detentions in court. In addition, I support closing Guantanamo, which has been a stain on our international reputation and which the Supreme Court has repeatedly rebuked. The United States must embrace a system for trying terror suspects that lives up to our founding principles.

LGBT Rights:

I support full equality for individuals regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. In the 111th Congress, I voted for the repeal of the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy and increased funding for local law enforcement to investigate hate crimes. I have cosponsored legislation that would end the federal government's discrimination against lawfully married gay and lesbian couples and bills that would prohibit discrimination against individuals by schools and employers based on their sexual orientation. I am also a cosponsor of the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, which would prohibit states and child welfare agencies from restricting adoption or foster care placements based on the sexual orientation or marital status of potential parents.

Source