While Prop 8 Decision Remains pending, President Obama “Evolves”
by Brian Leubitz
It may have been the Amendment 1 vote in North Carolina, but for whatever reason, today the President of the United States announced that he supports marriage equality. From ABC News:
California politicians on the “evolution”:
“This is a historic day and another step in our country’s long march toward equal rights and justice for all. The President’s statement is a milestone and so important for the millions of American families who deserve full equality. None of us can rest until marriage equality is a reality for all Americans.” – Sen. Barbara Boxer
“I am proud and elated that the President of the United States today announced his support for same-sex couples across our nation who wish to recognize and validate their relationships through marriage,” said Senator Leno. “This is an historic moment for our country, and I applaud President Obama for standing up for freedom, justice and equality for all people in a time when other elected officials are reluctant to do so. Denying committed same-sex couples the choice to marry has no benefit to our society and only divides communities and hurts loving couples and their families. I am confident the President’s support will help build momentum for the international movement to achieve full equality for same-sex couples everywhere.” – Sen. Mark Leno
“I applaud President Obama for endorsing same-sex marriage,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “If we truly believe in the Constitution, it’s clear that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered individuals deserve equal rights. They deserve the right to stand in front of family and friends and proclaim their love and devotion for each other in a ceremony recognized in the eyes of the law. We have a long way to go before we achieve full equality for the LGBT community, but today’s announcement by the President puts us one step closer.” – Rep. Linda Sanchez
“This is an inspirational, watershed day in an epic struggle. Every day, we are moving closer to living up to our founding ideals as a nation. Every day, we are moving further away from a past in which LGBT people were marginalized, delegitimized, and often completely ostracized, their relationships relegated to second-class status.” – Rep. Lynn Woolsey
“Today, President Obama reaffirmed the hope and promise most Americans felt nearly four years ago when he was elected. After yesterday’s disappointing defeats in North Carolina and Colorado, the President still had the political courage to do the right thing and publicly support marriage equality. I commend his leadership and commitment to all Americans, and I look forward to the day when such announcements cease to be viewed as momentous and start being viewed as common sense.” – Sen. Leland Yee
“The American Dream will be stronger for all of us when marriage equality is achieved across our country, though we still have a long road ahead. I’m proud that President Obama is now leading the way as we continue on that journey.” – Eric Bauman, Chair, LACDP
“President Obama’s words today will be celebrated by generations to come. For the millions of young gay and lesbian Americans across this nation, their President’s words provide genuine hope that they will be the first generation to grow up with the freedom to fully pursue the American dream. Marriage-the promise of love, companionship, and family-is basic to the pursuit of that dream.” – Chad Griffin, Chair of AFER and incoming president of HRC
“I’m delighted that President Obama has publicly announced his support for marriage equality. The President’s evolution on this important civil rights issue mirrors that of millions of Americans over the last several years, and I’m confident his leadership will help change the hearts and minds of millions more in the days ahead. With his announcement today, President Obama now stands with San Francisco on the right side of history.” – Dennis Herrera, SF City Attorney and litigant in Prop 8 cases
“Today’s announcement by President Barack Obama moves our country one step closer to marriage equality. With the President’s personal support on the issue of same-sex marriage, we celebrate and recommit ourselves to the fight for all families. Here in San Francisco, we stand ready to begin marrying same sex couples, and we will take this hard fought fight all the way to the nation’s highest court, if necessary. We remain as deeply committed to the fight for marriage equality today as we were nearly eight years ago when then Mayor Gavin Newsom led the charge on one of the most important civil rights issues of our generation to ensure equal protections and rights for all.” – SF Mayor Ed Lee