Obama supports same-sex marriage
In an historic move, President Obama announced today that he believes same-sex marriage should be legal.
The POTUS has said in past years that he is “evolving” on the issue, and indicated he would come down with a definite stance in a televised interview with ABC news today. Obviously, this endorsement is going to have an effect on his candicacy this November–we’ll see exactly what kind of effect in just a matter of months.
The Columbia Dems have voiced their positive response to the President’s statement on their Facebook page:
We are thrilled that the President has come out as unambiguously pro-marriage equality. This is definitely a turning point for gay rights in our nation. You can bet that we’re going to be fired up and ready to go come November!
Updated 5:35 p.m.
Everyone Allied Against Homophobia said in a statement to Spectrum:
Congratulations on coming out (in support of marriage equality), Mr. President! Everyone Allied Against Homophobia is proud to list Barack Obama as an ally in its fight against homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of oppression here at Columbia and nationwide.
Hear other responses and watch the video of the President’s statement after the jump.
Updated 6:33 p.m.
GendeRevolution:
GendeRevolution is delighted to have an ally in President Obama in fighting LGBTQ oppression. We would like as well emphasize that marriage equality is just one facet of a large movement for the political emancipation of trans* and queer people, many of whom face diverse oppressions ranging from violence and police brutality to employment discrimination and denial of proper medical care. We congratulate President Obama on his enthusiasm for marriage equality, and at the same time urge him to consider the broader needs and desires of LGBTQ people nation-wide.
Columbia Queer Alliance:
Columbia Queer Alliance is extremely pleased to hear about President Obama’s announcement. Though we wish he had been one of our public figures willing to be a leader and not a follower on this issue, we are very happy that our president has finally joined the majority of Americans in supporting same-sex marriage. While we know that marriage equality is not the only concern of LGBTQ Americans, we acknowledge the significance of this announcement, and hope that it marks a shift in the debate around for this and other LGBTQ issues.
Updated Thursday, 5:02 pm
And lastly, Q:
Q is excited that President Obama is taking steps to promote and secure long overdue rights for the LGBTQ population. Especially in light of last night’s disappointment in North Carolina, this helps us to stay positive and gives us renewed hope in our country and government. Being that the President chose to make this statement of solidarity at a crucial time for his re-election campaign, Q is optimistic about what he will accomplish for LGBTQ rights if all goes well next year and he is re-elected, providing inspiration to stay politically engaged and to not become complacent. Additionally, we are honored to have the first outspoken president ally addressing the Barnard community next week at commencement.
The Columbia College Republicans declined to comment at this time.
It’s ABOUT TIME
sorry i pressed down vote but i meant to up vote your comment!
what the calculus on this was. Obviously it’s the right thing to do, but this is politics and there must have been some consideration of what the effects would be on the election. It seems to me that this is likely to cause him some trouble in a few of the swing states — North Carolina, where 61% of voters decided yesterday to outlaw gay marriage AND civil unions, in particular. And it’s not like Dems weren’t going to compete for NC. They’re holding their convention in Charlotte. His statement is also likely to lose him some votes in Iowa, Virginia, and Ohio, just to name a few. These are states where the outcome was already likely to be very close; he may have just forfeited at least some of these contests.
If I’m right, then it seems to me like this is a pretty outstanding act of political courage on the part of the president. Yes he’ll get the LGBT community fired up and maybe they’ll work harder to get him re-elected now — and of course they’ll open up their checkbooks as well — but the benefits have got to pale in comparison to the risk he’s taking. Color me very, very impressed with President Obama today.
shut up not everyone knows calculus so stop trying to SHOVE IT IN MY FACE. Any way spec is dumb and u should probably shut up! specsucks.wordpress.com has only told the truth and stood for justice since the day spectator enslaved 3% of the columgia population to the gods of soddom and gehmora
what kind of oppression do gay people face here? I thought columbia was gay
ya colombia totally has a case of the gays big time. lol u r smart i want to have a relashunship with u but only if it is one that Jesus would approve of. If you are a boy sense I am a boy 2 that means we culd only play bored games and MAYBE snuggle sometimes but that is all! but if u r a girl we culd totally fondel each others privates. Let me kno!