Chris Smith's Human Rights Efforts Fall Short

Chris Smith wants to be viewed as a global champion of human rights, and will be quick to point out his efforts in the developing world as supporting evidence. While Smith has done good work for noble causes, there is an inexcusable hole in his record that makes him unfit for office.

Smith has continually tried to restrict rights and remove protections for the LGBT community on the international stage. In no uncertain terms, he “does not construe homosexual rights with human rights,” and believes that US support for LGBT rights has hampered our influence abroad. Through public statements and letters to the UN, he has philosophically aligned himself with nations that jail, torture, or kill their LGBT citizens.

Matters of international trade and security will sometimes force the US to cooperate with regimes whose human rights records are abysmal. This is not an excuse, but a reality one hopes those in power are uncomfortable bearing and seek to counterbalance as much as possible.

Smith however, embraces LGBT oppression wholeheartedly. The easiest way for the US to set itself apart from its questionable associations is to lead by example at home. Here there is no national security or economic partner to worry about. For Smith, the political costs would be minimal, as most New Jersey residents and those in the fourth district support LGBT rights.

And yet, even domestically, Smith has tried to oppress LGBT rights at every opportunity. He supported the “defense of marriage” amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman. He voted against adding sexual orientation as a motive for hate crimes. He has supported and appeared as a speaker before organizations that promote conversion therapy. He has co-sponsored bills that would allow businesses to legally discriminate against LGBT members, including who they serve and hire. He has supported legislation outlawing adoption by same-sex couples.

Smith’s efforts amount to no less than an attempt to codify LGBT individuals as less than human. This is inexcusable. Basic civil rights should be guaranteed to all Americans, and that should not be a partisan issue. This has nothing to do with the size and role of government, how we manage our finances, national security, or any other issue well served by debate. It is simply a question of human decency.

LGBT Americans are our family members, our friends, and our coworkers. But most dispassionately, they are our fellow citizens. Within his mind, Smith may place his religious views above the constitution; he is entitled to his bigotry. Should he see fit, he may lament the “sin” of LGBT individuals and pray for their immortal souls. But he has no right to enshrine his hatred into law. Even at home, with little political price to pay, Smith has worked to deny civil rights and dignity to American citizens. His views are at odds with the constitution, his constituents, and any sense of compassion. Smith’s use of the fourth district as a platform for hatred must end.