In
an interview today with ABC News, President Barack Obama voiced his
strong support for full marriage equality for gay and lesbian Americans.
Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese released the following
statement in response to the President’s remarks:
“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.
“His presidency has shown that our nation can move beyond its shameful
history of discrimination and injustice. In him, millions of young
Americans have seen that their futures will not be limited by what makes
them different. In supporting marriage equality, President Obama
extends that message of hope to a generation of young lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender Americans, helping them understand that they
too can be who they are and flourish as part of the American
community. And his words remind gay and lesbian families across the
country, who, like their neighbors, struggle to afford healthcare and
college for their kids, pay their taxes and plan for retirement –but
with the added burden of discrimination— that they do not face those
challenges alone and unheard.
“Americans fundamentally believe in fairness, but many, like the
President, have struggled to reconcile that core belief and the question
of marriage equality. The President’s words will no doubt inspire
thousands more conversations around kitchen tables and in church pews.
We are confident that our nation will continue to move inexorably toward
equality and we thank the President for so boldly leading us in that
direction.”
Incoming HRC President Chad Griffin also applauded President Obama’s support for marriage equality, saying:
“President Obama’s words today will be celebrated by generations to
come. For the millions of young gay and lesbian Americans across this
nation, President Obama’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. Our Constitution’s
promise, the promise of liberty, is one that every generation must
realize. As President Obama recognized today, the fight to secure
marriage equality is the defining element of our generation’s search for
greater freedom.”