Gilbert first candidate with platform on gay issues

By Jason Embry | Austin American Statesman | Thursday, November 5, 2009, 06:40 AM

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Hank Gilbert unleashed Wednesday a robust proposal package on issues related to gay, bisexual and transgender Texans.

Gilbert called for the state to recognize same-sex civil unions. He also said the state should allow universities to recognize same-sex domestic partnerships, make it easier for transgender Texans to change their gender on birth certificates and drivers’ licenses, toughen anti-discrimination laws and give gay youth the option to use a similar defense as straight youth under “Romeo and Juliet” laws, which essentially say that a teenager who is sexually involved with a slightly younger teenager will not be treated as an adult sex offender. Gilbert also said he wants to end insurance practices that discriminate against gay Texans.

“Just because some people see this as controversial or say that Texas isn’t ready for this is not a reason I can use to justify remaining silent on this issue,” Gilbert said.

How will this play in the primary? Remember that in 2005, every county in Texas except for Travis voted for a constitutional amendment barring gay marriage. (Gilbert isn’t calling for gay marriage, but that’s at least a partial gauge on how voters feel about these issues.) If he can raise enough money to get his message out and make himself somewhat known to Democratic primary voters, his candidacy may provide a good look at just how liberal those voters are.

Gilbert is obviously taking a big risk here among general-election voters, should he become the Democratic nominee. But the more interesting question may be how these positions affect the rest of the Democratic field. Does he force Tom Schieffer, the choice of much of the Democratic establishment, to take positions on these issues that could come back to hurt him in a general election? Maybe Schieffer uses Gilbert to position himself as a middle-of-the-road Democrat (although I’d think his ties to George W. Bush would take care of that).