About John McCain:

Senator John Sidney McCain III (born August 29, 1936) is a Republican candidate for the 2008 presidential election. McCain, an Arizona senator since 1987, unsuccessfully ran against George W. Bush for the 2000 Republican presidential nomination. Prior to his career in the senate, the Vietnam vet served in the House of Representatives from 1983-1987. Here's how John McCain measures up on gay and lesbian rights:

John McCain on Gay Marriage:

McCain does not support same-sex marriage, but believes the issue should be left up to the states. John McCain voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment, but according to John McCain's campaign website, "[He] believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman. It is only this definition that sufficiently recognizes the vital and unique role played by mothers and fathers in the raising of children, and the role of the family in shaping, stabilizing, and strengthening communities and our nation."

John McCain on Gays in the Military:

John McCain believes the "don't ask, don't tell" policy has been effective and should be left untouched. At the 2007 GOP debate at Saint Anselm College on Jun 3, 2007, McCain said, "We have the best-trained, most professional, best- equipped, most efficient, most wonderful military in the history of this country, and I'm proud of every one of them. There just aren't enough of them. So I think it would be a terrific mistake to even reopen the issue.

The policy is working. And I am convinced that that's the way we can maintain this greatest military. Let's not tamper with them."

John McCain on Employment Non-Discrimination:

John McCain voted against prohibiting job discrimination based upon sexual orientation.

John McCain on Federal Hate Crime Legislation:

While in the Senate, McCain voted against extending the definition of hate crimes to include sexual orientation.

John McCain on HIV/AIDS:

McCain's stance on HIV/AIDS is ambiguous at best. When asked in the New York Times political blog McCain Stumbles on H.I.V. Prevention about the use of contraceptives or counseling to help prevent the spread of HIV , McCain said, “You’ve stumped me. I’m not informed enough on it. Let me find out. You know, I’m sure I’ve taken a position on it on the past. I have to find out what my position was."