Ken Cuccinelli reaffirms calling LGBT Virginians "soulless" and "self-destructive"

(L to R) Ken Cuccinelli, Terry McAuliffe

In their first gubernatorial debate in Virginia, Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe didn't shy away from calling GOP nominee Ken Cuccinelli out on his many anti-gay statements.

From ThinkProgress:

McAuliffe repeatedly attacked Cuccinelli throughout the Virginia Bar Association debate in Hot Springs, VA for his record of demonizing science, women’s health, and LGBT people. Twice, McAuliffe noted that Cuccinelli had called LGBT Virginians “soulless” and “self-destructive” and that his attempts to rescind non-discrimination protections have hurt Virginia’s business climate.

Cuccinelli consistently ignored the attacks until moderator Judy Woodruff asked him directly about his previous comments. Cuccinelli responded briefly, saying, “My personal beliefs about the personal challenges of homosexuality haven’t changed.” He then said that as governor he he would “create an environment” economically every Virginian has opportunity.

In contrast, McAuliffe reaffirmed his support for marriage equality, promised to sign an executive order banning discrimination in employment, and said while Virginia’s constitutional ban and Republican legislature make it unlikely, he would sign a marriage equality law if it came to his desk.

According to a recent Quinnipiac University survey, McAuliffe currently leads Cuccinelli 43% - 39%.