President Obama Supports Gay Marriage, Stunning Opponents and Drawing Praise From Supporters

by Frederick H. Lowe

President Barack Obama on Wednesday stunned political opponents by saying that he supports gay marriage. The National Black Justice Coalition, the nation's leading black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) organization, praised President Obama's position, calling him a 'courageous leader.'

"I've just concluded for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married," President Obama told Robin Roberts, co-host of the ABC-television's Good Morning  America. 

President Obama elaborated further, saying that a number of his staff members are gay, in committed same-sex unions and are raising children together.  He also stated that he and Michelle Obama have discussed the issue of same-sex marriage over the years. He said, "In the end, the values I care most-deeply about, she cares most deeply about, that is how we treat other people."

He continued, saying that as practicing Christians, their support of same-sex marriage may put them at odds with some other Christians, but that he and Michelle believed in the Golden Rule, treating others as they themselves would wish to be treated and that they have taught this value to their daughters. President Obama's complete interview will air today (Thursday) on Good Morning America.

President Obama announced his support for marriage between gay couples four days after Vice President Joe Biden told NBC-television's Meet The Press that he was personally comfortable with same-sex marriage.  The next day, Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education, said he also supported gay marriage.

Their support contrasted sharply with what recently occurred in North Carolina.

On Tuesday, North Carolina voters passed an amendment that defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman.  President Obama said he was disappointed by the vote.  The Democratic National Convention will be held in Charlotte, N.C., the week of September 3rd, and delegates will nominate the president for a second four-year term.

 North Carolina residents voted against gay marriage at the same time 50 percent of Americans said they believe same-sex marriages should be recognized by law as valid, having the same rights as traditional marriage, according to Gallup Daily Tracking.

The White House on Wednesday scheduled an interview in which President Obama agreed to discuss his position on gay marriage.  The interview was arranged to clarify to bring the president's position more in line with Biden's. President Obama's statement shocked opponents, but it did not prompt them to change their positions on the controversial subject.

Mitt Romney, the presumed Republican Party nominee for president, reiterated his opposition to same-sex marriage several hours after the president announced his support of marriage between committed same-sex couples.

"My view is that marriage itself is a relationship between a man and a woman and that's my own preference," Romney said.  "I know other people have differing views. This is a very tender and sensitive topic, as are many social issues, but I have the same view that I've had since running for office."

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), however, applauded President Obama, calling his position on gay marriage 'historic.'

"It is an honor to witness our president take such a strong stand in support of gay and lesbian couples across the country," said Sharon Lettman-Hicks, executive director and CEO of NBJC, which is based in Washington, D.C.  "This affirmation reinforces the administration's ongoing commitment to LGBT Americans and our families."

Lettman-Hicks added: "Here is President Obama, the nation's first black president, taking a position that no sitting president in history has had the fortitude to ever take.  If anyone in America has ever wondered what courageous leadership looks like, here it is."