Human Rights Abroad and Discrimination at Home
Advocating Basic Fairness and Equal Treatment Under the Law

Contribute to Help Peter Fight for Human Rights!

We take America’s role as a melting pot to heart here in Florida. We find strength in our diversity, but that diversity also poses challenges. Our nation should always be guided by the principles of basic fairness and equal protection under the law - whether you’re a Haitian immigrant seeking asylum, or a domestic partner seeking the same protections a married person enjoys.

I will continue to support legal protections for the domestic partnerships of same sex couples. For over two decades, I have worked to ensure that all people, regarldess of their sexual orientation, receive equal protection and equal rights under the law. I have opposed - and in the Senate, I'll continue to oppose - efforts to amend the Constitution to restrict marriages to those between a man and a woman. And I have supported expanded federal jurisdiction over "hate crimes" to add gender, disability and sexual orientation to categories protected under our civil rights statutes.

Additionally, I have co-sponsored legislation in conjunction with Congressman Barney Franks (D-NY) which would grant same-sex domestic partners of federal employees the same benefits traditionally enjoyed by spouses.

Locally, I have been a strong supporter of the SAVE Dade Fair Housing initiative and fought efforts to repeal the Miami-Dade County Human Rights ordinance. These are vitally important issues for Florida that I will continue to fight for in the U.S. Senate.

My support for treating all people with dignity and basic fairness extends beyond our borders to human rights abroad. Throughout my years in Congress, I’ve repeatedly condemned the atrocious human rights violations in China, Cuba, and Haiti. I have condemned the United Nation’s Commission on Human Rights for its inclusion of Cuba, despite dozens of confirmed human right violations in just the past few years.

In the Senate, I’ll continue to be an advocate for human rights abroad - especially in Cuba. And I’ll press forward with proposals like the one I introduced in the House to impose a 100% tax on the profits of U.S. firms that trade with Castro’s Cuba if the profits from that trade are tied to lobbying Congress to lift trade and travel restrictions on that country.

As your Senator, I’ll never waver in my commitment to the individual freedoms of all people, and I’ll fight for those freedoms both at home and abroad.