How would Sarah Palin fare on LGBT issues?

According to national watchdog Human Rights Campaign, quite badly. "America may not know much about Sarah Palin, but based on what our community has seen of her, we know enough," said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

John McCain’s brand new VP candidate has just two years under her belt as Alaska’s Governor, after serving as mayor of a town of 9,000, but her record on LGBT issues is clear.

Palin is a clear conservative who is adamantly anti-choice and against the freedom to marry, publicly endorsing a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in her home state. She is also cozy with anti-LGBT organizations such as the Family Research Council and the Christian Coalition.

Though one of her first acts as Governor was to veto an attempt by state legislators to block a benefits package for same-sex couples demanded by court order, she only did this to avoid violating the state constitution and said she personally supports the measure.

On the other hand, Log Cabin Republican President Patrick Sammon ambiguously said “Gov. Palin is an inclusive Republican who will help Sen. McCain appeal to gay and lesbian voters.”

Maybe so. Many LGBT people were strong supporters of Hillary Clinton. This appointment is probably part of a bid to induce some of her disaffected supporters over to the Republican side with a young and popular female rising star. Notably, the Log Cabin Republicans have yet to endorse John McCain himself.

Palin has gone on record saying she is not out to judge anyone, and has several good friends who are gay. We’ve heard that one before…

Both she and McCain have described themselves as “mavericks,” a term the press has often affectionately repeated and reinforced for McCain. For her part, Palin has boldly stood up to her own party as a whistle blower against several corrupt officials, withstanding severe criticism from her own party.

Unfortunately with John McCain, too often “maverick” has meant unpredictable. Likewise, the LGBT community cannot count on anything from a Sarah Palin vice-presidency. In fact, we should fear the worst.