Jimmy Carter’s presidency, spanning from 1977 to 1981, coincided with a period when LGBTQ rights were largely taboo in American politics. Despite this, Carter, a Southern Democrat and devout Baptist, became an early advocate for the LGBTQ community, a stance considered bold for the time.
In 1976, while campaigning for president, Carter expressed support for the Equality Act, a measure aimed at amending the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation. He publicly stated his intention to sign the bill, emphasizing that homosexuals should not face special abuse or harassment. Carter reiterated his commitment to anti-discrimination policies, assuring that his administration would reflect this stance. Civil rights pioneer Harvey Milk, who later became one of the first openly gay elected officials, endorsed Carter, praising his view that the government should not intrude into personal matters.
A landmark moment occurred in 1977 when around two dozen activists from the National Gay Task Force met with presidential adviser Margaret “Midge” Costanza at the White House to discuss discrimination protections. This meeting, though symbolic and held in Carter’s absence, was significant as it followed the 1975 lifting of the ban on gay people working in the federal government. Despite the lack of tangible outcomes, the meeting was unprecedented and drew criticism from anti-LGBTQ figures like Anita Bryant.
In 1978, Carter urged California voters to reject Proposition 6, which sought to ban gay and lesbian individuals from teaching in public schools. The proposition was ultimately defeated. Historians argue that Carter’s actions, though seemingly modest by today’s standards, laid the groundwork for future advancements in LGBTQ rights.
Carter’s defeat in the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan marked a turning point, as the AIDS crisis began to unfold. Critics argue that Reagan’s administration was slow to respond to the epidemic, contrasting sharply with the potential response under a continued Carter presidency.
Post-presidency, Carter remained a vocal supporter of gay rights. In 2012, he voiced his support for same-sex marriage, grounding his stance in his Christian faith by noting that Jesus never condemned homosexuality.
While Carter may not be the first name that comes to mind in the context of LGBTQ equality, historians assert that his contributions were both significant and courageous, deserving of greater recognition.
