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News and commentary about the anti-gay lobby“Now you must raise your children up in a world where that union of man and box turtle is on the same legal footing as man and wife…”
News and commentary about the anti-gay lobbyOctober 16th, 2009
Kerry Eleveld at The Advocate is reporting that the White House has come out against efforts in Maine and Washington state to strip LGBT Americans their marriage and partnership rights:
In response to an inquiry from The Advocate, the White House issued the following statement regarding President Barack Obama\’s position on same-sex relationship recognition voter referenda in Maine and Washington.
“The President has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same-sex couples, and as he said at the Human Rights Campaign dinner, he believes ‘strongly in stopping laws designed to take rights away.\’ Also at the dinner, he said he supports, ‘ensuring that committed gay couples have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country.\'”
Update: This statement builds on what President Barack Obama said at the HRC dinner last weekend:
Will we uphold the ideals on which this nation was founded: that all of us are equal, that all of us deserve the same opportunity to live our lives freely and pursue our chance at happiness? I believe we can; I believe we will. And that is why I support ensuring that committed gay couples have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country. I believe strongly in stopping laws designed to take rights away and passing laws that extend equal rights to gay couples.
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Bryan
October 16th, 2009
Ok, this is all well and good, but please show me where exactly he directly says that he opposes the ballot measures in the particular instances of Maine and Washington. This is the problem with Obama: nothing but vague generalities.
Ben in Oakland
October 16th, 2009
yes. absent were those two place names.
Alex
October 16th, 2009
Thanks for saying that you support us, Mr. Obama. Now, what are you going to DO about it??
David C.
October 16th, 2009
The POTUS usually stays out of state politics because failing to do so has traditionally been a no-no. Making a blanket statement like this one continues that tradition. The content of the statement is at least useful and its shelf-life will be long.
The good news is that the Approve R-71 in Washing state and No on 1 in Maine campaigns can now use this statement by Obama in their messaging.
Duncan
October 16th, 2009
It seems Obama opposes anti-gay, state-level laws whatever their democratic credences, but refuses to act on his own democratic mandate to remove those at federal level.
Stefano A
October 16th, 2009
Big whoop… So, a statement was made to The Advocate when they asked. There is no such statement made on the White House web site with regard to Maine or Washington; ie, current pending referendums. So what if a statement was made to the “choir”. It doesn’t reach the “masses”.
I agree with Bryan above.
Thomas
October 16th, 2009
O is a big D… As in Disappointment. The time to act is now. Next year is mid-terms and then begins the race for the White House again. In between all this we’re asked to give more $$ for presidential platitudes. I don’t think so. If it’s not happening now it’s not happening anytime soon from our fierce advocate.
Stefano A
October 16th, 2009
PS
I think Jeremy Hooper sums it up well.
Ben in Oakland
October 16th, 2009
31 years ago, President Carter said No on 6– the briggs Initiative– in as many words while he was in california. Ronald reagan said No on 6 in as many words.
All we get is blahblahblah opposed to something blah blah blah.
Where is Inigo montoya when you need him?
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