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Gay News Headlines: Rights, Relationships, Marriage

Gay News Headlines: Relationships, Marriage, Adoption

 

Gay News Headlines: Relationships, Marriage, Rights

Gay News Headlines: Health, Travel, Sports

Gay News Headlines: Rights, Relationships, Marriage

Gay News Headlines: Rights, Relationships, Marriage

Barack Obama: "Same-sex couples should be able to get married."

WASHINGTON (AP) - On the fence no longer, President Barack Obama declared his unequivocal support for gay marriage on Wednesday, a historic announcement that gave the polarizing social issue a more prominent role in the 2012 race for the White House.

The announcement was the first by a sitting president, and Republican challenger Mitt Romney swiftly disagreed with it. "I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman," he said while campaigning in Oklahoma.

Gay rights advocates cheered Obama's declaration, which they had long urged him to make. Beyond the words, one man who married his gay partner in Washington, D.C., was stirred to send a $25 contribution to the president's campaign. "Making a contribution is the best way to say thank you," said Stuart Kopperman.

Obama revealed his decision after a series of events that made clear the political ground was shifting. He once opposed gay marriage but more recently had said his views were "evolving."

In an interview with ABC in which he blended the personal and the presidential, Obama said "it wouldn't dawn" on his daughters, Sasha and Malia, that some of their friends' parents would be treated differently than others. He said he also thought of aides "who are in incredibly committed monogamous same-sex relationships who are raising kids together."

Obama added that he thought about "those soldiers or airmen or Marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf, and yet feel constrained even though now that 'don't ask, don't tell' is gone because they're not able to commit themselves in a marriage."

The president said he was taking a personal position. Aides said the president's shift would have no impact on current policies and he continues to believe that marriage is an issue best decided by states.

"I have hesitated on gay marriage in part because I thought that civil unions would be sufficient," Obama said in the interview. He added, "I was sensitive to the fact that for a lot of people the word 'marriage' was something that evokes very powerful traditions, religious beliefs and so forth."

Now, he said, "it is important for me personally to go ahead and affirm that same-sex couples should be able to get married." (source)

Bill Clinton: Vote Against North Carolina's Amendment 1

Former president Bill Clinton has come out against North Carolina’s Amendment One, which would constitutionally bar marriage rights and all other forms of relationship recognition for same-sex couples if voters approve the measure Tuesday.

“If it passes, it won't change North Carolina's law on marriage,” President Clinton said in a new robocall message. “What it will change is North Carolina's ability to keep good businesses, attract new jobs, and attract and keep talented entrepreneurs."

Clinton released a recorded statement, or “robocall,” for the campaign opposing the amendment – a move that comes two days after daughter Chelsea released a letter also urging voters to reject the measure.

“If it passes, it won't change North Carolina's law on marriage,” President Clinton said in the message. “What it will change is North Carolina's ability to keep good businesses, attract new jobs, and attract and keep talented entrepreneurs. If it passes, your ability to keep those businesses, get those jobs, and get those talented entrepreneurs will be weakened.”

According to the Associated Press, the recorded message will be pushed out beginning Monday, one day prior to the primary elections, though early voting is already underway. Poll numbers continue to show an uphill battle for those fighting the amendment.

The full message, via Coalition to Protect NC Families:

Gay News Headlines: Rights, Relationships, Marriage

Gay News Headlines: Rights, Relationships, Marriage