Words: Thompson personally opposes gay marriage and civil unions, but feels the decision should be left to the states. “I think that we ought to be a tolerant nation. I think we ought to be tolerant people. But we shouldn’t set up special categories for anybody. And I’m for the rights of everybody, including gays, but not any special rights.”

Actions: Thompson voted AGAINST prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation (1996), FOR prohibiting same-sex marriage (1996), and AGAINST adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes (2000 & 2002).

More about: Fred Thompson, LGBT Rights.