Paul: LGBT people should keep their private lives out of the workplace

Sen. Rand PaulRand PaulTrump gets little backing from Silicon Valley Lawmakers amplify criticism of US support for Saudi bombing campaign How Breitbart turned on Ted Cruz MORE (R-Ky.) is advising LGBT people to keep their private lives out of the workplace as a way to avoid discrimination.

“I think, really, the things you do in your house, just leave those in your house, and they wouldn’t have to be a part of the workplace, to tell you the truth,” the presidential candidate said on Wednesday at Drake University.

He said changing social norms have opened up new employment opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, making workplace anti-discrimination laws unnecessary.



“I think society is rapidly changing, and if you are gay, there are plenty of places that will hire you,” Paul said. “And I would say the vast majority of corporations already privately have manuals or work manuals that say don’t discriminate in any way, and I think that to be the fact. So I’m really for the government not to be more involved in this situation.”



The Kentucky senator said workplace anti-discrimination laws set up “a whole industry of people who want to sue.”

“So if you happen to be gay, you get fired — now you have a reason you can sue them,” Paul said.

“But it’s almost impossible sometimes — you know, people don’t put up a sign saying, ‘I’m firing you because you’re gay.’ It’s something that’s very much disputed.”

The Iowa Democratic Party said in a statement that "Paul’s backward views on LGBT rights and his presidential campaign belong in the past.”

Paul supports letting gay couples enter into contracts but says “traditional marriage” should be preserved.

— Updated at 8:02 p.m.