President Obama ended his 19-month long evolution on the issue of extending marriage rights to gay couples on Wednesday when he voiced support for marriage equality.
In an interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts, Obama said “I’ve stood on the side of broader equality for the LGBT community; I hesitated on gay marriage because I thought that civil unions would be sufficient…”
“I was sensitive to the fact that for a lot of people the word marriage evokes very powerful traditions religions beliefs so forth.”
“…Over the course of several years — when I talk to friends family, neighbors, members of my own staff… — at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to affirm that I think same sex couples should get married.”
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Sauce has glitter in it.
Right now I'm just happy it happened. Late, maybe. But it happened.
Now let's see what happens.
And the best part is -- and the part which might actually affect more policy -- this might mobilize other Dems to do the same. Other Dems who do support these rights but have never taken a firm stand for fear of reprisal. If the President can do it, the rest of them can man- or woman-up.
And for those who say they'll be happy when he does something, I think this is his way of telegraphing that he DOES intend to do something. It has to start somewhere. Letting the world know where he stands makes sense as a starting point to me.
Although it was a stark reminder of why I stay closeted to my family as bisexual though.
Today, I was asked a direct question and gave a direct answer:
I believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.
I hope you'll take a moment to watch the conversation, consider it, and weigh in yourself on behalf of marriage equality:
http://my.barackobama.com/Marriage
I've always believed that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally. I was reluctant to use the term marriage because of the very powerful traditions it evokes. And I thought civil union laws that conferred legal rights upon gay and lesbian couples were a solution.
But over the course of several years I've talked to friends and family about this. I've thought about members of my staff in long-term, committed, same-sex relationships who are raising kids together. Through our efforts to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, I've gotten to know some of the gay and lesbian troops who are serving our country with honor and distinction.
What I've come to realize is that for loving, same-sex couples, the denial of marriage equality means that, in their eyes and the eyes of their children, they are still considered less than full citizens.
Even at my own dinner table, when I look at Sasha and Malia, who have friends whose parents are same-sex couples, I know it wouldn't dawn on them that their friends' parents should be treated differently.
So I decided it was time to affirm my personal belief that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.
I respect the beliefs of others, and the right of religious institutions to act in accordance with their own doctrines. But I believe that in the eyes of the law, all Americans should be treated equally. And where states enact same-sex marriage, no federal act should invalidate them.
If you agree, you can stand up with me here.
Thank you,
Barack
People really need to chill out and enjoy the victory. This is the first time a sitting President has come right out and say they support this. I mean, do you all think President McCain, Vice President Palin or maybe future President Mittens would have the balls to say this?! Yes there is work to be done, but it is a big step forward.
But it happened. It should've happened sooner, yes, but Could've Would've Should've. After NC yesterday, I'll take one man's late approval over 60% of a state population saying no.
A WILD PIECE OF COMMON SENSE APPEARS
COME HERE, COMMON SENSE, LET ME LOVE YOU
Sorry to be Debbie Downer, but I'll believe it when I see it. Talk don't pay no bills. It's nice to feel good, and I don't begrudge anyone that, but I feel like this is what a not-shitty person SHOULD BE DOING.
Fuck throwing crumbs. I want the motherfuckin' pie.
Edited at 2012-05-10 03:25 am (UTC)
Is this infuriating to people who thought this was going to be wrapped up a few years ago? Or did they think Obama was a radical who would transform the US? I understand righteous anger but I think it's naive or self-defeating to demand all change happen NOW...or we reject any change.
What I do resent is people telling me (paraphrased):
1) "Progress takes time! I mean who really cares that it took him 4 years and had suspect political timing? JUST WAIT AND BE PATIENT." (Spoken to every minority everywhere.)
2) "Jesus Christ, why can't you just be happy he threw you guys a bone?"
3) "I mean, none of the OTHER candidates would've said something like this. So that makes this objectively good."
IMO, when you really get down to it all Obama said is that he believes that LGBT people should have rights just like everyone else. And while I'm glad he said it - it's not particularly inspired, or new, or an epiphany. It's "I looked around, and guess what guys, there are gay people EVERYWHERE! And they are just like me and you!" Oh.
I'm happy and cynical at the same time. Whatever, wasn't like I planned on voting for Rommney anyway.
Victory music!