Pres Barack Obama: I decided it was time to affirm my personal belief that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry

Robert L. --

Today, I was asked a direct question and gave a direct answer:

I believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.

I hope you'll take a moment to watch the conversation, consider it, and weigh in yourself on behalf of marriage equality:

http://my.barackobama.com/Marriage

I've always believed that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally. I was reluctant to use the term marriage because of the very powerful traditions it evokes. And I thought civil union laws that conferred legal rights upon gay and lesbian couples were a solution.

But over the course of several years I've talked to friends and family about this. I've thought about members of my staff in long-term, committed, same-sex relationships who are raising kids together. Through our efforts to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, I've gotten to know some of the gay and lesbian troops who are serving our country with honor and distinction.

What I've come to realize is that for loving, same-sex couples, the denial of marriage equality means that, in their eyes and the eyes of their children, they are still considered less than full citizens.

Even at my own dinner table, when I look at Sasha and Malia, who have friends whose parents are same-sex couples, I know it wouldn't dawn on them that their friends' parents should be treated differently.

So I decided it was time to affirm my personal belief that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.

I respect the beliefs of others, and the right of religious institutions to act in accordance with their own doctrines. But I believe that in the eyes of the law, all Americans should be treated equally. And where states enact same-sex marriage, no federal act should invalidate them.

If you agree, you can stand up with me here.

Thank you,

Barack

Trending Political Issues.

Hillary Clinton: The Cracks in 2008 that Broke the Glass Ceiling in 2012

Dear Robert, This is not a goodbye, because we're all embarking on a new American journey. With our nation moving in an exciting new direction, you and I and all Americans are going to be a key part of the change that is coming. I couldn't be more hopeful about meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead. But I want to take just one moment to look back at the incredible experiences you and I shared over the last two years. From the moment we launched our historic campaign back in January 2007, I was deeply moved by the amount of support you showed me . We spent 17 months in a hard-fought campaign making sure that every American had a chance to make their voice heard. We made history by putting 18 million cracks in the very highest glass ceiling. And when that campaign came to an end, we kept working and fighting, putting our hearts into making history again by helping to put Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the White House. I'm so proud of all we ac...
Read more

we’ll have to keep our foot on the gas to build the strongest Democratic Party in history

Image
Donald Trump keeps putting himself first and America last. Even as cases of COVID-19 skyrocket in states across the country, this president continues to host in-person fundraisers to pad his reelection war chest and fund dishonest ads -- including planning to return back to Florida, which is currently battling a sharp increase in cases -- at the end of the month. It’s irresponsible and reckless that Trump is ignoring public health experts and carrying on with his in-person fundraising events, but it's clear there's no level he won't sink to in an attempt to stop Democrats from chipping away at the RNC's cash-on-hand advantage. Here’s the thing, though: Together, we were able to outraise Donald Trump’s fundraising machine two months in a row -- relying heavily on virtual fundraising and grassroots contributions from folks just like you. But in order to compete with him and the RNC, we’ll have to keep our foot on the gas to build the strongest Democratic Party in history ...
Read more

We’ll be sharing the results of the survey with President Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, and other members of our leadership team

Image
I hope you, your family, and other loved ones are staying healthy during the ongoing pandemic. At the Clinton Foundation, we rely upon input from supporters and partners in our work to help guide our decision-making — and that includes you. As we mark the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, I hope you’ll take a moment to share your feedback on our work and where you want to see us focus our future efforts and resources. Please, take our new survey and tell us what you think. We’ll be sharing the results of the survey with President Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, and other members of our leadership team, so even if you’ve taken one of our surveys before, we want to hear what’s most important to you at this time. Please, take our new survey and tell us what you think. Our team is hoping to hear from a broad range of voices, including supporters like you, so I hope you’ll take a moment to respond. Thank you for being a member of the Clinton Foundation community. With best wishes, Kevin Thurm Chief ...
Read more

newest episode of “Why Am I Telling You This?,” Stacey Abrams joined President Clinton

Image
  Dear Robert, On the newest episode of “Why Am I Telling You This?,”  Stacey Abrams  joined President Clinton for a conversation about the fight to protect and expand the right to vote; how we can repair and restore faith in democratic institutions, elections, and voting; and what we can all do to achieve real, meaningful change. This conversation was recorded as part of the  13th annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative University , hosted in partnership with Howard University. This year’s class joins a network of more than 10,000 young leaders from all 50 states and 160 countries across the world who are taking action to address pressing challenges on their college campuses and in their communities. Meet seven of these students who are addressing the public health, economic, and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with support from the Clinton Foundation’s COVID-19 Student Action Fund  here . And in case you missed it,  Dr....
Read more

Millions of transgender people still face discrimination

Image
    Friend, did you see the news? One of my first actions as a Congresswoman was to display a transgender pride flag outside my office. I did so to show the trans community -- which includes friends and family of mine -- that they are seen, heard, and not erased. Today, we must recommit our efforts toward protecting the rights of transgender Americans. Dangerous misinformation has been amplified by right-wing politicians and media figures, resulting in a disturbing series of state legislative actions across the country that target the healthcare and well-being of trans youth. Last month, I was named a co-chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, an arm of the Congressional LGTBQ+ Equality Caucus that is advocating for legislative and administrative action to ensure that the trans community is treated with dignity and respect. I look forward to using this role to continue advancing equality -- because now is not a time where we can afford silence from allies. Millions of tr...
Read more

Ayanna: letter to President Joe Biden

Image
  Black, Representative Cori Bush and I, in partnership with dozens of our House colleagues, recently sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to commute every single federal death sentence and abolish the death penalty once and for all. Will you add your name right now to our petition to Joe Biden calling on him to commute every federal death sentence and abolish the death penalty? Every signature will be sent to President Biden’s team, so your voice will make a difference. Add Your Name Our criminal INJUSTICE system is racist, xenophobic, rogue, and fundamentally broken.  State-sanctioned murder is not justice, and it never will be. President Biden has the power and moral authority to act: he can commute the sentences of every person who is currently sentenced to death under federal law and finally end the death penalty once and for all. Together we will make sure that no more Americans are condemned to die at the hands of our criminal injustice system. Add your name ...
Read more

Momnibus Act would take important measures to protect Black pregnant parent’s lives.

Image
  Robert, The United States has the worst mortality rate in the modern world, and Black women are three to four times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy. This Black History Month, I am again reminded of how racism and sexism have continued to dominate the healthcare system. Black mothers deserve equal access to quality, anti-racist, and life saving healthcare. Will you add your name to become a citizen co-sponsor of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act? This critical legislation will save Black pregnant mother’s lives. Click here to sign on → SIGN ON Black women time and time again have not been believed when explaining their symptoms, and oftentimes only have access to low quality healthcare. This month and beyond, we must commit ourselves to ensuring that the Black community has equal access to critical infrastructure such as healthcare, and Black mothers feel heard when seeking out treatment. The Momnibus Act would take important measures to protect Black pregn...
Read more

John: WITHDRAWING SUPPORT OF DONALD TRUMP

Image
Robert,  I wanted to make sure you saw the statement I released today. I have included it below.  Sincerely,    Senator John McCain  STATEMENT FROM JOHN McCAIN WITHDRAWING SUPPORT OF DONALD TRUMP   Phoenix, AZ -- John McCain issued the following statement today withdrawing his support of Donald Trump:  "In addition to my well known differences with Donald Trump on public policy issues, I have raised questions about his character after his comments on Prisoners of War, the Khan Gold Star family, Judge Curiel and earlier inappropriate comments about women. Just this week, he made outrageous statements about the innocent men in the Central Park Five case.  "As I said yesterday, there are no excuses for Donald Trump's offensive and demeaning comments in the just released video; no woman should ever be victimized by this kind of inappropriate behavior. He alone bears the burden of his conduct and alone should suffer the consequences.  "I ...
Read more

There’s no other way to say it. Today is a big day.

Image
It’s the day we officially celebrate breaking ground on the Obama Presidential Center. And we wouldn’t be here without the unwavering support of people like you—people who donated, volunteered, shared stories, and supported our vision all along the way. Of course, our work has never been just about a building. We are dedicated to helping  community leaders develop the skills they need and build the relationships that will empower them to change the world. That’s why President and Mrs. Obama took a moment yesterday, as part of our groundbreaking celebrations, to sit down with the latest cohort of Obama Foundation Scholars from the University of Chicago.  This inspiring group is working to increase diversity in Chicago’s technology sector, support women entrepreneurs in India, promote arts education that revitalizes neighborhoods, and much more.  We’re just getting started. There are wonderful things in store for the Obama Presidential Center and the young leaders it will s...
Read more

Business as usual in our city changes

Image
Business as usual in our city changes when we take deliberate actions to change the status quo. The city’s spending panel — which hands out millions upon millions of dollars to government contractors every week — had an opportunity today to invest in the diversity, equity and inclusion that will drive better outcomes for our city. Instead, in a vote of 4-1, my vote being the only dissenting one, the Board of Estimates rejected the opportunity. For four months, I have pushed the administration to reach for equity before waiving minority- and women-owned business participation on a lucrative, longstanding contract with Motorola to ensure ongoing telecommunication between our emergency responders was not disrupted. As city leaders, we have pledged to our residents time and time again that we will improve the city’s patterns and practices related to government contracting. Still, despite our ongoing conversations, promises of equity, pledges to reimagine the role government can play in clo...
Read more