This Is Political Courage

I have not always agreed with President Obama, but I was very proud that I voted for him when he came out in favor of equality for all Americans a couple of days ago. It took real political courage to take a stand in favor of same-sex marriage -- an issue that continues to divide this country (where too many people want to use religion to justify their hatred for their fellow Americans and their disdain for our Constitution).

Here is the e-mail the president sent out to his supporters:

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


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


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.


Thank you,

Barack

Political courage is a quality that is far too rare these days -- in politicians of both political parties. This display of it by President Obama has removed any doubts I may have had about supporting him in the coming election. He may not be as liberal as I would like, but he has my support and my vote.