What are the Libertarian stances?

Question

I know in general they don't want government anywhere that isn't expressly acknowledged in the constitution and such but what about things like gay marriage, abortion, foreign policy, ect...?

Answer 1

To find the Libertarian stance on social issues, ask yourself, "Does this hurt me physically or financially in any way?"

Gay marriage: doesn't break your legs, doesn't pick your pockets, hence the government has no right to outlaw it. Libertarians would actually like to see consenting adults be allowed to make their own decisions without any government influence at all. Neither condone nor prohibit what should be a consensual contract between adults.

Abortion: the arguments against abortion usually revolve around whether a fetus is alive, which comes down to a religious interpretation. Libertarians believe that religion is a private matter. Hence people should be free to choose based on what they believe.

Foreign policy: many, many people misinterpret the Libertarian stance to be isolationist. Nothing could be further from the truth. Libertarians basically believe in a policy of non-intervention, which is not the same thing at all. Libertarians believe in leaving people alone unless they want to associate with you. That is not isolationist, it's just good manners. Can you imagine if France had sent a "peacekeeping" force to make sure the 2000 election problems were solved peacefully? It might put your back up, but America does it all the time.

The Libertarian stances on most issues are at the site I've listed in the references. I hope you take the time to read them, but it's up to you.

Answer 2

Though, there are pro-life libertarians the official party platform decrees that the government shouldn't prohibit abortion. I'm a Pro-choice libertarian and I think that the government doesn't have the right to meddle in business affairs why should it meddle in what a person does with their body? On gay issues, libertarians are very tolerant of other lifestyles and some support gay marriage. On foreign policy there is a more united consensus that non-interventionism would be best and we shouldn't be intrusive in other people's affairs.

Answer 3

libertarian is pretty much fiscal conservatism and social liberalism.
Many people like the constitutionalist points of Libertarians ( myself included ) but some of the social policies have people a bit skeptical.
Libertarians have been saying legalize marijuana for years.
The problem is what it is. Most americans dont support that.
They also take the freedom of speech issue a bit far in speaking out of support of speech by groups like NAMBLA.

Also there isnt always alot of continuity within the party.

Answer 4

gay marriage: either "sure, OK, whatever" or "why should any marriage have or require legal sanction?"

abortion: The standard libertarian stance is to oppose any regulation of abortion, but also any public funding or thereof.

foreign policy: basically isolationist. They want free trade, but asside from that, wish everyone would just leave everyone else alone.

Answer 5

they think the government doesn't belong in gay marriage or abortion, those like everything else that isn't expressively illegal are a persons right. (I think) I'm not sure what thy think about foreign policy but I think it's straighten our America before worrying about other countries.

Answer 6

I'm a libertarian, and we get a bad rap because both parties want to rip us just because we agree with some of the other side.

My attitude is as long as it's legal and you're not hurting other people, then let them do their thing.

Answer 7

no gay marriage ban, no abortion ban, no foreign policy

Answer 8

I know they're pro-life.