John Edwards in 2007 Democratic primary debate on GLBT issues

On Civil Rights: Get rid of DOMA; get rid of don't-ask-don't-tell

On Civil Rights: Support transgendered people publicly while transitioning

A: I would support them in every possible way, including on a personal and an emotional level, provide every bit of help and support that I possibly could in going through what they were going through. But the American people deserve to know, beyond your policy position, what your reaction is to it. Will you support them publicly? Are you willing to do what's right, under the circumstances? And I can tell you, I know in my heart and soul that I would. I've had similar experiences when I was younger on issues of race that were extraordinarily difficult in the place where I grew up, where I did what I believed was right, where my family did what we believed was right. And I think that's at least some indication of what I would do under these circumstances.

On Civil Rights: Mistake to say my faith makes me oppose same-sex marriage

A: Well, I have to tell you, I shouldn't have said that, because I believe, to my core, in equality. It makes perfect sense to me that gay and lesbian couples would say, "Civil unions, great; 1,100 federal benefits, great; give us these rights, we deserve these rights." And they're absolutely right about that. But it stops short of real equality. And the only thing I would say about the faith question is I think from my perspective it is wrong -- because we have seen a president in the last six-plus years who tries to impose his faith on the American people. And I think it is a mistake and I will not impose my faith belief on the American people. I don't believe any president should do that. I believe in the separation of church and state.

On Civil Rights: On journey about same-sex marriage, but does not support it

A: I shouldn't have said that, because I believe, to my core, in equality.

Q: If it is not your faith, then what is at the core of that resistance? I know that you said you're on a journey, and I'm curious where and when you might end up on that journey.

A: I can tell you where I am. First of all, I think you deserve to know the truth, and the truth is that my position on same sex marriage has not changed. I do believe strongly in civil unions and the substantive rights that go with that. I believe we desperately need to get rid of DOMA. I think we need to get rid of "don't ask, don't tell." I think we need to get rid of those things. Today I believe in all these other things, but I do not support same sex marriage. All I can tell you is where I am today. That's the best I can do. You deserve to know that from me.

On Education: Teach in public school that we embrace same-sex parents

A: Oh, sure, it should. I mean, the kids who go to public schools need to understand why same-sex couples are the parents of some of the children. They need to understand that these are American families, just like every American families. It's important for the kids that their peers understand what's happening. Because otherwise, you know, children are children. And they can be mean and cruel. We as adults have a responsibility to make sure that they're educated, that they understand this is a good thing and it's something that we as Americans believe in and embrace.

Q: At what grade or what age would you introduce, for instance, that kind of education into the schools?

A: I've not thought about it enough to answer it.

Q: Well, think about it and come back later, and tell us what you come up with.

A: Yeah. There is a place, though, that I believe it's appropriate.

On Health Care: Exactly the same healthcare rights for same-sex couples

A: Those rights should be available to gay and lesbian couples. In my universal health care plan, and I've made it very clear that those rights to gay and lesbian couples would be exactly the same as they would for straight couples. And so those health care benefits would be available to someone in that situation.

On Homeland Security: Don't-ask-don't-tell is discriminatory & bad for military

A: Oh, I think the president can get rid of "Don't ask, don't tell." If the president of the US believes that "Don't ask, don't tell" is bad for America and in fact bad for our military, and it's discriminatory, all of which is true..

Q: And when General Colin Powell says no, you can't do it?

A: I'm not sure Colin Powell would say no [now; he only said so] back then. But it doesn't matter. It's not the job of the generals to make this determination. It is the job of the president. And I can tell you I am firmly committed to eliminating "Don't ask, don't tell." "Don't ask, don't tell" is not just wrong now, it was wrong when it began. It's been wrong the entire time

On Jobs: Change law so people can't be fired legally for being gay

On Principles & Values: Stand up to hate-mongering by Republicans

This is only one area where the right wing uses scare tactics to divide the American people. And the truth is, both in a presidential campaign and in governing, it is so important that we reject this hate-mongering. I have seen hate-mongering with language used when I was growing up in the segregated South. And if you stand quietly by and let it happen, it takes hold, and then people begin to believe it's okay to use that kind of language, and it's okay to use hate-mongering to separate us. We have to stand up for what's right and fair and just, and we have do it with passion and strength. It is bad for America for us to let anybody speaking to the American people use these issues to divide us.