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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.”
HRC needs to call for a general boycott of donations to the Dem party until we get our pound of flesh!
Mr. Obama, and my brothers and sisters who are waiting for justice, equality, and the right to enjoy the peace we long for in loving whom we love and building our families and homes as respected and valued fellow citizens: I refer you to our Great Brother and Advocate for Truth, Justice, and the Fulfillment of the American Dream – No! The Promise of America – that we are ALL free and we are each and every one of us EQUAL under this Constitution of the United States. Consider his words, Mr. Obama, and reflect!
“I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says, ‘I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action”; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a ‘more convenient season.’” (King, 1964, p. 73).
We can wait for neither the convenient season nor the comfortable time, Mr. Obama. What is it that you are asking us to forget when you ask us to be patient? For the churches that condemn us to come around; for the law makers and politicians who pander to us for our money and support for their (re)elections to set aside their self-interests and pass laws that recognize our citizenship; for us to tire out, get worn down, and give up? Did we give up on your dream or your parents’ dream or your ancestors’ dream? No, Mr. Obama, just as you did not. You believed you are worthy and deserving of everything that Dream is about, and you have claimed it, won it, standing on that same Dream we have for ourselves. Who is it, Mr. Obama, who believes he can set the timetable for another citizen’s freedom; for the full and unconditional recognition of his and her right to have and enjoy the same freedom, equality, and justice you have? Would you wait for the answer?
Reference:
King, M. L, Jr. (1964). Why we can’t wait. New York: Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
Perior to yesterday’s Obama meeting, at which he said the order must come from congress, 77 congressmen (including Frank)sent Obama a request to put a stay (hold) on further discharges until dadt is resolved. Confress confirmed he has the authority to do this and they recommended it. Today, we hear nothing will happen this year. Why Not? Is he afraid of the military brass? Do they have somthing on him?
OK Lets remember Stonewall, get tough and stop the bullshit. The President has been give the authority, by act of Congress(under Bush),as Comander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the US to ORDER a Stop/Lose directive halting ANY discharges he deems mission critical. It’s the law,meant to keep the Armed Forces at high readiness for mission critical OPS while fighting 2 wars. It has nothing to do with DADT, DOMA or Equal rights.Its his duty as Commander-in-Chief to Protect the troops. He’s honor bound to do it. So simply put, if Lt Choi goes, then we all go, a vote of no confidence in the CIC who fails the troops and the nation he leads in these perilous times.
Does anyone else feel discouraged that our rights are always combined with HIV? HIV is very horrible, but that is not necessarlily my issue. Gay marriage is about taxation, ultimately. People with HIV have done an incredible amount to move us all forward but perhaps, that issue is now slowing us down.
MR. B.O. is not a brother or a sister of mine. He is a liar, as usual. Just a big fat PR whore-show.
Pres. Obama….PLEZZZZZZ don’t ruin your reputation by catering to these confused morons… I voted for you the first time, BUT there is bigger issues for you to concentrate on for the World. They may have supported you in the campaign, but I hope you realize that the majority of “US” are living our lives as GOD intended.. Please do not allow them to down play you in any way with promises, therefore YOU will be looking for another job in 2012. It’s apparent their lives will not change for the BETTER.
Denise504 said They may have supported you in the campaign, but I hope you realize that the majority of “US” are living our lives as GOD intended..
Unfortunately for you and others of your ilk, the Constitution of the United States applies to not only the majority in the United States but to “ALL” citizens (even the gay ones)and therefore it “trumps” your god and your bible in matters of public policy.
I voted for him, but come on. DOMA and DADT are from Clinton. I am so sick of hearing how sick the GOP is and how glorious the Dems are. Really??? Give me a break. The first LGBT equal rights law was signed in Wisconsin by a GOP governor. The 64 civil rights bill was supported by almost all GOP members of congress and was opposed by southern Dems. Women’s right to vote was pushed and passed by GOP members. Could I list a bunch of idiot GOPers and list some great Dems? SURE! That is my point. Get your head out of your ass and support people from both parties who support equal rights and stop being a slave to the Dems…That is exactly what makes them take us for granted.
Obama supports gay rights????? – yeah right I must be dreaming, “when pigs fly” he will!!!!!!
It is actually a nightmare he “fliped-flopped” (as the Democrates do) on DADT and DOMA they now stay!!!!
By the way it was the Democrates themselves that introduced those two nasty bans to begin with with DADT in ‘93 and DOMA in ‘96 – what hypocritical cunts!!!!
Put up or shut up.
What about a repudiation of the brief from the DoJ in support of DOMA, by his own AG?? That would make me feel some better.
What do you think gay rights would have gotten from the Republicans? Nothing. We have to keep pushing Obama. There’s a much greater chance for progress here. As for finding a cure for aids, I am very synical about the pharmaceutical companies. They’re making a fortune on aids drugs and are too greedy to support a cure.
Solmonese needs to get his head out of Obama’s butt. This guy is a hack who claims he is representing the Gay Community and asks us to be patient until we can be granted “actual laws”? Move over Mary, your as ineffective as the HRC on Gay issues.
To Mona and Denise504 – isn’t there something about ‘planks’ in your own eyes you need to deal with before you begin hacking away at the ‘motes’ in others?