President Obama says he now supports same-sex marriage, ending months of equivocation on a subject with powerful election-year consequences. NBC's Brian Williams and Chuck Todd reports.
BREAKING: Barack Obama became the first sitting president to come out in support of legal same-sex marriage today, a reversal from views expressed during the 2008 campaign, when he said he opposed same-sex marriage but favored civil unions as an alternative.
"I have hesitated on gay marriage in part because I thought that civil unions would be sufficient," Obama said in an interview with ABC News at the White House. "I was sensitive to the fact that for a lot of people the word 'marriage' was something that invokes very powerful traditions, religious beliefs and so forth."
Now, he said, "it is important for me personally to go ahead and affirm that same-sex couples should be able to get married."
The president had found himself under increasing pressure this week to state his position unequivocally after a pair of events that underscored the sensitivity of the issue.
Vice President Joe Biden said in an interview on NBC's Meet The Press Sunday that he is completely comfortable with gays marrying, a pronouncement that instantly raised the profile of the issue.
And yesterday, voters in North Carolina -- a potential battleground in the fall election -- approved an amendment to the state constitution affirming that marriage may only be a union of a man and a woman.
Obama's announcement cheered gay rights groups who have long urged him to support gay marriage. It also opened up a distinct area of disagreement with Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who opposes gay marriage.
Ed is planning extended coverage for tonight on The Ed Show at 8pET on MSNBC!
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there is a link on Facebook to participate in tonight's poll, but it isn't working!
thank you, Mr. Obama. This was the right time to stand up for what is a civil rights issue!
I am thrilled he has taken this position. Now let's watch the so called "Christians" spew their venom. It will be fascinating TV but really should be very disturbing to many decent people who believe that this is an issue of civil rights.
Congratulations! A step in the right direction, freedom for all.
Why is it so hard for people to understand that this has nothing to do with the unity of two people but the issue that no one should be discrimminated against? It doesn't matter what our beliefs are individually, what matters is what is right as Americans. We owe it to our country to believe that all people should be treated equally under the law. If not then we would never have abolished slavery, or given the women the right to vote. When we ended slavery and gave women the vote, it didn't change everyones beliefs, but it was the right thing to do. No one has to change what they believe, but as an American you have to know if not in your heart then at least intelectually that discrimination is never right.
Thank you Mr. President. Equal rights are just that. It is time for the party of "NO" to hopefully disappear. The GOP is moving backwards and we are the United States of America and we should be moving forward. This has never been a problem with other countries but here the ones who think they are high and mighty do nothing but stick their noses in others business. They really need to take a good look at themselves.
thank you, Mr. Obama... Romney will make hay about this but so what he will fiip on this as well... so lets pull together and make sure we have a president who understands the constitution and fight for the rights of all....
Why to go !!! All men and women have the same rights . Marriage is just a word it what you do with marriage is your business not are government
Ed, Isn't having one view in 2008 and the opposite view in 2011 called Flip Flopping in the political world?
slack, What intervening knowledge? Has gay behavior changed recently? Is there some significant difference in what qualifies as a Guy or Bisexual from 2008 and now? The only intervening knowledge is Obama knows he needs the votes, he will say anything he thinks will get him votes. He would tell you Michelle bought that $1000.00 blouse at Target if it will get him a vote.
He already HAS those votes 2ez. The ones Robme wishes he had.
i find it so very ironic that all these idiots that defend marriage as being so "sacred" between man and woman are the same ppl that are getting divorced daily! ..lmao... yep that's sacred all right!
I will say here what I said in the comments for the poll about this subject because it bears repeating. I honestly could care less about same-sex marriage. Call it marriage, call it a civil union, whatever. Let same sex partners have the right to retirement and shared health benefits. I'm fine with that. However, I think this will blow up in the President's face. This plays well in California and New York where it will raise funds and energize a youth vote. One he doesn't happen to need, as those states are a lock for him already (unless this promotes the Catholic Church to press the Latino vote against him). However, in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, most of Florida outside of the South Beach region, etc. it's going to turn many voters off.
Also keep in mind that one of the largest groups that will be bothered by this are seniors. They grew up in an era where saying things like this was taboo, and they are a much more reliable voter block than young voters. I'm sorry to say this but I think President Obama just cut off his nose to spite his face here.
I live in the state that probably has the most non traditional marriages, polygamy, and my neighborhood has many of those type marriages. This is overlooked in a very conservative state because Mitt's religion still teaches that poligamy is the correct marriage. It is just not sanctioned due to its illegality, but if poligamy were legal the church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints would reinstitute its practise. Now will some of you true conservatives tell me how these polygamist marriages have destroyed marriage in Utah, and how a gay marriage can affect me or my son's marriages. Also tell me how the constitution views marriage? Are we going to have the government tell us how to practise our faith? If so is that not a government sanctioned religion?
I'm straight and I don't feel threatened by gay marriage.
It's not hurting anything. If you don't believe the marriages are "legitimate" in god's eye, then fine; you're entitled to your beliefs. But why do you want to force others to live their lives according to your views? When, as i said, it's not hurting anything.
It really does just seem like anyone who is against, is just a prejudice bigot. A bullheaded bully.
Totally, and utterly wrong ! Civil unions, O.K., but this is really ridiculous. To accept this, is the same as saying there is no difference between the sexes. It is bad enough that you Takers feel entitled to what belongs to others, but you really are out of your minds on this issue.
It's not natural.
It was not long ago when people were doing backflips over " blacks and whites ' getting married. Now Interracial married is a thing of the past..And so will " Same Sex " married! I don't care how haters....Jump up and down and run around and Sh*t on the the ground, This too will be coming to pass!
Rev. Joe Watkins believes that the bible says that marriage is between a man and a woman. The bible also says a person should treat their slaves well. Does this mean that God approves of slavery?
The institution of marriage is not owned by religion and is performed in secular society in front of a judge all the time. Even atheists get married. It serves society to be inclusive and open minded. The Supreme Court will show that Gay people have the right to be married under the law.