Words: Richardson supports civil unions with full marriage rights, sexual orientation being included in hate crime legislation, and open military service by gays and lesbians.

Actions: Richardson voted FOR the Defense of Marriage Act (1996), but has since regretted his vote and feels the legislation should be repealed; he helped defeat a Defense of Marriage Act in New Mexico and added sexual orientation and gender identity to civil rights and hate crime legislation in New Mexico. He has also appointed gays and lesbians to gubernatorial cabinet positions.

More about: Bill Richardson, LGBT Rights.