''The sentiment I expressed then is still where I am—which is, like a lot of people, I'm wrestling with this. My attitudes are evolving on this. I have always firmly believed in having a robust civil union that provides the rights and benefits under the law that marriage does. I've wrestled with the fact that marriage traditionally has had a different connotation. But I also have a lot of very close friends who are married gay or lesbian couples.And squaring that circle is something that I have not done yet, but I'm continually asking myself this question and I do think that—I will make this observation, that I notice there is a big generational difference. ''
President Barack Obama speaking with Kerry Elveld of The Advocate yesterday. Her interview with the President covers a range of issues including the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" which he just completed today.
Here Elveld asks Mr. Obama is it isn't time that gay men and lesbians should be entitled to equal marriage rights. Obama has never said he supports gay marriage, despite being a strong political all on most LGBT issues. During the interview he holds his political cards close to his chest -- not giving away much of what he's thinking but saying that he considers what can be done while he is in office and how best to tackle issues with an incoming Republican-run House of Representatives.
The President seems to say legislative solutions are ideal, but that courts also play key roles in civil rights issues. He sees a repeal of the "Defense of Marriage Act" and the passage of the "Employment Non-Discrimination Act" happening in about 4 years. Obama seems to be relying also on the gradual upswing of public acceptance of the needs of LGBT individuals. (Advocate.com)
