Obama: Gays deserve equal rights
President Barack Obama has praised New York politicians debating historic legislation to legalise gay marriage, saying that was what democracies were supposed to do, and marriage has traditionally been decided by the states.
Mr Obama also said he believed that gay partners deserved the same legal rights as every other couple in the US, but, as expected, he stopped short of endorsing gay marriage outright.
The president was speaking at a Manhattan fund-raiser for gay and lesbian donors - his first specifically for gay supporters - yesterday.
Coincidentally the long-planned event happened just as politicians in New York's state capital Albany were manoeuvring towards a historic vote legalising same-sex marriage.
Negotiations were continuing as Mr Obama, who supports civil unions, not gay marriage, spoke.
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James Portelli
Jun 24th 2011, 12:24
It is only a matter of time until society as a whole accepts and recognizes gay marriage and the right to adopt children.
Just like at some point in history it was unthinkable that those accused of witchcraft would not be drowned in the river, we continue to progress our levels of social empathy and understanding.
Inevitably we will progress to and surpass a level of acceptance currently emplyed by. . . dogs for example.
Mr john vella
Jun 24th 2011, 09:40
Is this the same Obama that before his election he is said to have quoted the scripture and tried to be funny, to some, in front of an audience, he even called himself a Christian? OH! I forgot he called himself a Muslim? Some say he is something else! Lately under his helm in the U.S. of A. they dropped: ''IN GOD WE TRUST". Is there any surprise of minor things like gay?
Some say people elect whom they deserve!
Ramon Casha
Jun 24th 2011, 10:29
No, he isn't. The one you're describing is a product of your imagination.
The real Barack Obama has always said that he is a Christian, probably quoted scripture on a number of occasions, and has never said he is a Muslim. In the real US, the words "In God we trust" have not been dropped, although they were a very recent change (the original motto was "E Pluribus Unum") by the McCarthy administration, when Americans were being taught that there's a "godless commie" around every corner.
Mr john vella
Jun 24th 2011, 15:08
@Ramon Casha
My friend if that is your believe it is kind of my word against yours, I kindly ask you to be kind enough and try to go on the web and verify for yourself by clicking on these topics:
1) Obama snubs "in God We Trust'' as US motto
2) Obama Admits he is a Muslim
3) Barach Hussein Obama refuses to salute U.S. flag.
Mr Zachary Stewart
Jun 24th 2011, 18:15
No John Vella. Sorry, you're wrong. I'm sitting in an office in NYC right now looking at a brand new $1 bill. It still has a huge "In God We Trust" emblazoned on the back. While it is true, Obama has always been more of an "E. Pluribus Unum" kind of guy, "In God We Trust" (as of the McCarthy era) is still our official motto. It would take an act of congress to change that, not an executive order. Please John Vella, learn how our government works before you comment on it.
Mr john vella
Jun 25th 2011, 06:17
@ Mr. Zachary Stewart
There is no ifs and buts, you are correct when you said I was wrong in saying "in God We Trust' has been dropped..
However it is also true that: Members of Congress called on President Obama to make him issue a public correction after he incorrectly labeled pluribus unum in a speech rather than "In God We Trust" reported Dec.7, 2010.
It is also true it has become common to drop the word "God'' or his commandments in public or public activity. This lead me to strongly believe of a hidden agenda.
Hilary Clinton, who famously stood in the Senate and screamed that Americans had a right to disagree with the President took issue with those who disagree with Obama's Libyan adventure.
Obama's approval rating is so low that Kenyans are now accusing him of being born in the U.S.
Now if the city of New York legislated in favor of gay marriage. Why should the U.S. president Obama get so involved after all there are other cities and states who equally disapprove, or is it as Truman once said: If you can't convince then, confuse them.