Breaking News

LGBT groups celebrate Obama'a marriage equality stance

By Glenn Gullickson

LGBT groups celebrate Obama's marriage equality stance

President Barack Obama's history-making announcement that he supports marriage equality for gay and lesbians is causing celebration among LGBT groups.

In an interview with ABC News, Obama said:

"I've always been adamant that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally ... I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don't Ask Don't Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I've just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.

Here's a sampling of reaction from LGBT groups:

Joe Solmonese, outgoing president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC): "Today, President Obama made history by boldly stating that gay and lesbian Americans should be fully and equally part of the fabric of American society and that our families deserve nothing less than the equal respect and recognition that comes through marriage."

Hendron Graddick, president of the GLAAD: "The arc of history today bent a little closer to equality for every American. After hearing the stories of countless couples and families, President Obama has drawn the same conclusion shared across party lines and by a majority of Americans today: everyone deserves the opportunity to marry the person they love. As our nation draws closer to a more perfect union in which every person is created equal, we are left deeply encouraged by this truly watershed moment."

Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network: "This is a great day for gay and lesbian service members, who are living with the daily reality that while they are now be able to serve openly, they and their families are treated as second-class citizens under laws like the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Certainly, the President's leadership in repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' laid the foundation for his reaching this positive outcome. We welcome the President's support for marriage and will work with him to repeal DOMA and all laws that undermine equality and treat our service members unfairly."

Rick Jacobs, Courage Campaign founder and president: "We are delighted that President Obama voiced his support for legalizing same-sex marriage. He spoke honestly and with conviction, showing us again the Barack Obama of 2008, the man of passion who won our hearts. Full LGBT equality is now decidedly in the main stream which will help us in four state ballot fights this fall, with the public and with the courts."

Jerame Davis, executive director of National Stonewall Democrats: "The president's endorsement of the freedom to marry stands in stark contrast to the position of Mitt Romney. Romney, who signed the National Organization for Marriage's hateful anti-LGBT pledge, opposes marriage equality and supports a federal constitutional amendment banning marriage between same-sex couples. No longer can GOP homophobes like Romney hide behind the pretense that they share President Obama's position on the freedom to marry.

R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans: "That the president has chosen today, when LGBT Americans are mourning the passage of Amendment One (in North Carolina), to finally speak up for marriage equality is offensive and callous. Log Cabin Republicans appreciate that President Obama has finally come in line with leaders like Vice President Dick Cheney on this issue, but LGBT Americans are right to be angry that this calculated announcement comes too late to be of any use to the people of North Carolina, or any of the other states that have addressed this issue on his watch."

William Roe, chair of the Arizona Democratic Party: "Today President Obama affirmed equality and justice for all Americans in saying that same-sex couples should be able to get married. We applaud the President for taking a courageous stand on behalf of millions of people who want nothing more but to live and share in the American dream."

Kyrsten Sinema, candidate for U.S. Congress from Arizona: "The government has no business limiting Americans' freedom to marry, and I applaud the president for taking a stand for this fundamental freedom."