A marriage equality opponent, Palin supported the 1998 amendment to Alaska's constitution banning marriage between people of the same sex. During her 2006 campaign, Palin said she had gay friends and was "not out to judge anyone" despite her support of the amendment.

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

"Signing this bill would be in direct violation of my oath of office," Palin said in December of 2006, vetoing legislation that would have denied same-sex partners of gay state employees equal health and retiree benefits. The bill was written to counter the state Supreme Court's ruling that denying such benefits violated citizens' rights to equal protection under the Constitution. Palin maintained support of a constitutional amendment to the same effect of the legislation she vetoed if there was public approval.

"When you can't even support giving our community the rights to health insurance and pension benefits," Solmonese added, "it's a frightening window into where she stands on equality."

The 44-year-old conservative is the second female Vice Presidential candidate running on a major party ticket. Palin's political career began in 1992. She served two terms on the Wasilla, Alaska City Council before being elected mayor in 1996. Following an unsuccessful run for Lieutenant Governor in 2002, she defeated incumbent Republican Governor Frank Murkowski in the primary, and former Democratic governor Tony Knowles in the 2006 general election for her current post.

"Gov. Palin is an inclusive Republican who will help Sen. McCain appeal to gay and lesbian voters," said Log Cabin Republicans President Patrick Sammon. "She's a mainstream Republican who will unite the Party and serve John McCain well as Vice President."