Friend --
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/
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
3 comments:
Obama must have realized that we'd lost our American Way! Cheers for his evolution on this topic. I raised a glass for civil rights last night.
Congratulations denbec!
Lisa
Thank you Lisa! It's our straight friends who can make the biggest difference in this debate. We can make our claims and prove our integrity till the cows come home, but when straight people - especially celebrities - are vocal about the fact that Gays are not really a big deal then those in doubt might actually pay attention. We appreciate your support! Cheers!
I never ever believed that religious discrimination about gays anyway. I learned that Jesus said to love your neighbor and that includes everyone no matter their race, creed or sexual orientation. It doesn't matter that I don't believe in God. I learned the lesson. And to focus on someone's orientation is kinky in my eyes. I don't want anyone peeking into my bedroom so why would ANYONE care what happens in another one's bedroom????
And, in 1967, mixed-race marriage discrimination was ruled unconstitutional (Loving v Virginia) thankfully, because I am married to someone outside of my 'race'. Hopefully, someone will step forward and present a case to the supreme court so that same sex marriage bans will be ruled unconstitutional as well. It's time. Indiana's Congress amended our constitution and banned it recently along with making this a 'right-to-work' state. Taking away rights is not what this country or state needs. Ever.
I'm hopeful that this trend is a good thing but only if Obama stays President next year and the people vote out the extremists. If the conservatives (steal) this election, we are leaving sooner rather than later. We've seen what it's done to lose the Dem majority in this state and if Congress flips again this cycle, there is hope for resolutions and progress.
I will Always stand by you and yours. So will my husband and that's why I married him. I realized we held the same beliefs, no matter our skin color. That and he's cute and loves me.
Lisa
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