Words: Romney supports benefits for gay partners, but opposes gay marriage. He also believes that the “don’t-ask-don’t-tell” policy works. “That benefits are given to married couples and not to singles or gay couples has nothing to do with discrimination; it has everything to do with building a stable new generation and nation.”

Actions: Romney lobbied against Massachusetts’ highest court and its legislature to return marriage to its “traditional” definition and endorsed a federal marriage amendment by testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

More about: LGBT Rights, Mitt Romney.