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Loading ...Obama says he supports gay rights
06.30.2009 8:53am EDT
(Washington) Countering criticism that he’s done little on gay rights, President Barack Obama commemorated the 40th anniversary of the birth of the modern movement by welcoming its leaders to the White House and reaffirming his commitment to their top priorities.
“I want you to know: You have our support,” Obama told members of the core Democratic constituency as he and first lady Michelle Obama hosted a cocktail-and-appetizer reception in the East Room for gay pride month. It’s been some four decades since the police raid on New York City’s gay Stonewall Inn that spurred gay rights activism across the country.As activists work to change minds and change laws, Obama added: “I will not only be your friend, I will continue to be an ally and a champion and a president who fights with you and for you.”
Since Obama took office in January, some activists have complained that Obama has not followed through on his campaign promises on issues they hold dear and has not championed their causes from the White House, including ending the ban on gays in the military.
Obama pleaded for patience.
“I know many in this room don’t believe that progress has come fast enough. And I understand that,” Obama said. But he added: “I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises I’ve made, but by promises that my administration keeps.”
By the time he leaves office, the president said, “I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration.”
The crowd erupted in cheers.
He noted that he has issued a presidential memorandum expanding some federal benefits to same-sex partners. Critics have noted that it doesn’t include health benefits or pension guarantees.
Obama also reminded the audience that he has called on Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which limits how state, local and federal bodies can recognize partnerships and determine benefits. Still, he added: “We have a duty to uphold existing law, but I believe we must do so in a way that does not exacerbate existing divides.”
He said that does not mean he doesn’t back a repeal of the law.
Obama also said the administration is working to pass an employee nondiscrimination bill and a hate crimes bill that includes protections for gays and lesbian, and he said it’s committed to rescinding a ban on entry to the United States based on HIV status.
Obama reiterated his support for repealing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that allows gays and lesbians to serve in the military as long as they don’t disclose their sexual orientation or act on it. He said he doesn’t believe the policy makes the United State more secure, and he said his administration is working with Congress to develop a plan that will end the practice legislatively in a way that ensures the new policy works in the long term.
In a statement, Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese said, “President Obama’s remarks today were welcomed and appreciated and, as he stated, it is the actions to advance equality — not simply the words — that will be the true marker by which this White House will be judged.
“On the eve of this weekend’s 40th anniversary of Stonewall, the president has yet again reiterated his support for most of the critical federal issues facing millions of LGBT Americans. We must continue the hard work of turning that support into the passage of actual laws. We look forward to working with President Obama and his administration to advance equality, and we pledge to be good-faith partners throughout the many battles that lie ahead of us.”
I believe the President seriously intends to act on his promises, but he will not be successful unless he realizes he will not appease the minority in the religious right. If he waits, he may find he will be unable to act, especially if a hostile congress is elected in 1, 3 or 5 years. ACT NOW!!!
As Assitant Director of the film/documentary :”How Do I Look”; I want to say “Thankyou” President “Obama” for your human sensitvity to the needs of Our LGBT citizens. We appreciate you. And hopefully we can receive more support for HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and education all around. We the Ball Community “How do I Look” community appreciate your support. Hoping that our film/documentary will receive your support as we are trying to educate the masses about HIV/AIDS in this Ball Community which is a subculture of the GAY Community. And we are many voices, friends, brothers and sisters who need support, mentally, spiritually, financially And physically as well. Thanks Mr. President..
“The crowd erupted in cheers.”
Yeah, but they were hand-picked.
I just want to commend Obama just for even touching on the subject. I think a lot of us are trying to make miracles happened overnight. He has been in office barely going on 7 months and he still has about less than 3 1/2 yrs to go. TAKE A CHILL PILL> I am a latino gay american citizen and as all of you guys have, I to have waited for equal rights. I think he is doing what he can and as fast as he can. To me there are current events happening that he needs to focus on that are more important as well. I strongly believe Obama will do as he promised but we just have to have faith. I know we have heard it all before from different president. However,there is a different Obama is our 1st Black President and he once was a minority and i am sure he understands. All i know is that I hear more about Gay bills more than ever before. SO im putting my faith that we will make us proud and possibly gain a 2nd term….
I’m beginning to enjoy this. He really seems incapable of BS-ing his way out of this, and the Dems are becoming more and more aware of it. So’s the GOP. Every time Obama opens his mouth for anything about gays, he manages to alienate even more of us. That gay Dem fundraiser, which raised more money this year than last? That’s not about selling out–now it’s an ominous reminder to Obama and the Dems. We’ll give you a little more rope, but if you don’t start erasing these bigoted laws, we’ll turn on you like scorpions. Whatever positive action ever does come from Obama, even if it was repeal of DADT and DOMA in this Administration, it’ll still be very tempered by the ill will that Obama has generated all on his own. Whatever we get from him, it’s very clear that he’s not doing it willingly. He may not even realize how or why so many gays have come to find him repellent, which is a whole new field to explore.
Oh–can we please be done, once and for all done, with the “he’s better than McCain/Palin would’ve been” crap? It’s not germane. Obama and the minefield he’s in are the problems of a Democratic President who seems to almost go out of his way to offend a core Democratic constituency, and the party is having a hard time seeing the best course. All of this is in the Democrat circle. It has nothing to do with McCain, or with that MILF hillbilly out to shoot the dogs at the Iditarod. If you were discussing the state of human rights in China in 2009, you wouldn’t constantly refer to the Boxer Rebellion or the Japanese occupation of Manchuria in the 30s. They’re irrelevant to the immediate issue.
Go back in the closet, please. The majority of Americans prefer gays to keep to themselves and stop pushing their agenda on the rest of us. Americans believe that one man and one woman is normal. Meaning, two of the same sex is abnormal. Common sense dictates that alternative lifestlyes do not need to be considered normal or acceptable by the majority. Please stop pushing the GAY MARRIAGE agenda as a normal thing. It is not a normal lifestyle and pushing for gays to come into the mainstream of America is asking for social problems and unrest down the road. Obama may be say he is your friend but he is doing it to keep you on his side for the vote. Just leave the common sense of man and woman making babies as the norm and gay as a abnormal lifestyle.
I don’t want his support, I want his actions!!!!!
I don’t want his support, I want his support and ACTION. I am not willing to wait until his second term, because if he doesn’t come through on his promises, I will do everything I can to make sure he does not have a second term!
I would rather have my known enemy close then a false friend! At least I know who I am dealing with.
We need ACTS ! not words.
Who are these sell out Gays that cheered Obama in the East Room? There wasn’t a set of balls in the room, just girlie men.
Same old, same old. Put up or shut up Barack. We don’t want words, we want action. If you want a second term, you need to get your “fierce advocate” ass in gear. Civil rights cannot wait!
I’m sad that as Gay Americans we have wasted our votes, money and grass roots campaigning to ensure Obama would be elected. He has done nothing for Gay American’s who suffer discrimination every day while he preaches civil rights to other nations. It’s strange how he expects Gay Americans to wait while he wouldn’t ask that of any other minority group. Mr. President, we have waited long enough. We want action to repeal DOMA and DADT now.
NO CONCRETE RESULTS – NO MONEY/NO VOTES.
This man has NEVER been our advocate. He’s never supported full equality – openly stuck in the separate but equal mode. No money. No votes. No support of ANY kind for ANY politician that doesn’t put OUR rights front and center in their actions – like Eliza Doolittle said…”Words, words, words…” sick of them. Sick of him.
“The crowd erupted in cheers.”
Remember in Star Wars when Padme says, ‘So this is how liberty dies… with thunderous applause. ‘?
That is how stupid people are being here.