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06/28/08-06/30/08

Obama Calls Calif. Amendment 'Divisive and Discriminatory'

Obama Calls Calif. Amendment 'Divisive and Discriminatory'

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama took a strong stand this weekend against a constitutional amendment to appear on California’s ballot in November that would effectively overturn the state supreme court’s recent decision legalizing same-sex marriage.

In a letter to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club read yesterday at the group's annual Pride Breakfast, Senator Obama wrote, “I am proud to join with and support the LGBT community in an effort to set our nation on a course that recognizes LGBT Americans with full equality under the law … that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states.”

A campaign spokesperson confirmed the authenticity of the letter, the full text of which is available below.

“For too long, issues of LGBT rights have been exploited by those seeking to divide us. It’s time to move beyond polarization and live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and respect,” the senator wrote.

Obama also stated his support for “extending fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex couples under both state and federal law,” and reiterated his desire to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and “don’t ask, don’t tell” as well pass legislation to protect LGBT American against hate crimes and employment discrimination. Obama closed the letter by congratulating those who have chosen to celebrate their love by getting married in the past several weeks. (The Advocate)

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Dear Friends, 


Thank you for the opportunity to welcome everyone to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club's Pride Breakfast and to congratulate you on continuing a legacy of success, stretching back thirty-six years.  As one of the oldest and most influential LGBT organizations in the country, you have continually rallied to support Democratic candidates and causes, and have fought tirelessly to secure equal rights and opportunities for LGBT Americans in California and throughout the country.  



As the Democratic nominee for President, I am proud to join with and support the LGBT community in an effort to set our nation on a course that recognizes LGBT Americans with full equality under the law. That is why I support extending fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex couples under both state and federal law.  That is why I support repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, and the passage of fully inclusive laws to protect LGBT Americans from hate crimes and employment discrimination. And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states. 



For too long, issues of LGBT rights have been exploited by those seeking to divide us. It's time to move beyond polarization and live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and respect. This is no less than a core issue about who we are as Democrats and as Americans.

Finally, I want to congratulate all of you who have shown your love for each other by getting married these last few weeks. My thanks again to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club for allowing me to be a part of today's celebration.  I look forward to working with you in the coming months and years, and I wish you all continued success.  

 


Sincerely,
    
Barack Obama 
 

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: v w patterson
    Date posted: 2008-07-02 1:37 AM
    Hometown: west hollywood

    Comment:

    What did the Clinton's ever do for gay rights other than pander to the community for votes then throw us under the bus with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the DOMA? Con artists -- the both of them. We would be very lucky indeed to have Obama as President. Hillary couldn't even utter the phrase "gay rights " without the words getting stuck in her poll-driven, Machiavellian throat. Thank God the electorate saw through her tissue of lies.


  • Name: David
    Date posted: 2008-07-01 1:44 AM
    Hometown: San Diego

    Comment:

    Hey, Sat, if you had read Obama's book "The Audacity of Hope" you would know that he has always believed in equality for gays and lesbians. Your cynicism has no basis.


  • Name: Advocate bias
    Date posted: 2008-06-30 9:32 PM
    Hometown: Purple State

    Comment:

    Wow. The Advocate let this story run on the homepage for about two hours! Obama is against the ban, essentially he is in favor of Gay Marriage in California! Jeez. Hillary was sooooooooo much better than him, right?


  • Name: J.E. Green, author of MERGING WITH MONSTERS
    Date posted: 2008-06-30 8:02 PM
    Hometown: Denver, Colorado

    Comment:

    Senator Obama continues to demonstrate a COURAGE TO LEAD that is LONG OVERDUE - - and has been missing for TOO LONG in America's White House!!


  • Name: Sat Churmit-Dazhy
    Date posted: 2008-06-30 6:31 PM
    Hometown: Kyzyl Khoito

    Comment:

    Woo hoo! Wonder how long it took him to focus-group that response!


  • Name: Richard Tususian
    Date posted: 2008-06-30 5:03 PM
    Hometown: Bayside, NY

    Comment:

    I really have to hand it to Barack Obama for having the courage to state his very pro-gay stance BEFORE the election, and not waffle around the issue, taking the large chance of offending many people who might have otherwise voted for him.


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