Community Corner

Obama's Statement on Gay Marriage Rousing Masses

"I think gay couples should be able to get married." -Barack Obama

President Barack Obama stunned and astounded people today when he announced in an interivew with ABC's Robin Roberts that he supports gay marriage.

Social media networks and news stations across the country were abuzz, following the president's statement.

"In a nod to a dramatic shift in public opinion, Barack Obama on Wednesday became the first sitting president to announce his support for same-sex marriage," the Huffington Post reported. Following is a snipit from the HuffPo article:

Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatiwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I've always been adamant that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally," Obama told Roberts, in an interview that will air in full on ABC's "Good Morning America" Thursday.

"I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don't Ask Don't Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married," he said.

Find out what's happening in Rohnert Park-Cotatiwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Watch the clip from the news segment here.

Congress Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, who is running to represent Rohnert Park in the newly-drawn District 5, cheered the president.

"Today, the president took an historic stand for love, equality and civil rights," Thompson said in a news statement. "All couples — gay or straight — should have the right to marry who they love, and I commend the president for his public support of same-sex marriage."

According to his office, Thompson co-authored legislation that ended Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and has supported legislation that gives state and local law enforcement the tools to prosecute hate crimes based on sexual orientation.

"There's the president I voted for," wrote many. "Finally," some said.

What do you think about Obama's statement? Are you excited that he's taken this stand publicly? Were you surprised?

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here