Less than 24 hours after NC voters approved an amendment defining marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman, President Obama expressed his support for same sex marriage. The president’s evolution on the issue came after mounting media pressure sparked by Vice President Joe Biden and Sec. of Education Arne Duncan expressed their public support for same-sex marriage in news interviews earlier this week.
“I’ve hesitated on gay marriage because I thought civil unions would be sufficient,” Obama said in his interview with ABC.
Obama expressed respect for people who associate marriage with religious beliefs, but he said it was time for him to express his support for everyone to have equal rights. Obama evoked his support for gay and lesbian soldiers as well as his own staff members and their in ability to enjoy the same rights as heterosexuals.
“It is important for me to go ahead and affirm that same sex couples should be able to get married,” Obama said.
In past interviews, Obama said his thoughts on the issue were evolving. Today’s announcement marks a historic moment in our nation’s history.
Related Articles:
Al Sharpton says President Obama adding jobs to the economy.
