President Barack Obama
Posted on 10/12/2009 12:21:04 PM PDT by NYer
Speaking at the black-tie event, President Obama assessed the progress made by the gay agenda, saying, "despite the real gains that we’ve made, there’s still laws to change and there’s still hearts to open."
"There are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbors, even loved ones, good and decent people, who hold fast to outworn arguments and old attitudes; who fail to see your families like their families; who would deny you the rights most Americans take for granted. And that’s painful and it’s heartbreaking," he lamented.
The president then asserted that homosexual couples "have demonstrated before the world that different kinds of families can show the same compassion in a time of need," and praised the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for "helping to elect candidates who share your values; standing against those who would enshrine discrimination into our Constitution; advocating on behalf of those living with HIV/AIDS; and fighting for progress in our capital and across America."
"This fight,” the president said, “continues now. And I’m here with a simple message: I’m here with you in that fight."
"We have made progress and we will make more. And I think it’s important to remember that there is not a single issue that my administration deals with on a daily basis that does not touch on the lives of the LGBT community,” the U.S. leader added.
Obama then promised the audience that "you will see a time in which we as a nation finally recognize relationships between two men or two women as just as real and admirable as relationships between a man and a woman. You will see a nation that’s valuing and cherishing these families as we build a more perfect union — a union in which gay Americans are an important part."
During his speech, the President revealed that he met recently at the Oval Office with Dennis and Judy Shepard, whose son Matthew, a homosexual college student, was killed in Wyoming 11 years ago. He said he promised them “that we were going to pass an inclusive hate crimes bill — a bill named for her son." "I can announce that after more than a decade, this bill is set to pass and I will sign it into law," he said to cheers and applause.
"Together," he stated, “we will have moved closer to that day when no one has to be afraid to be gay in America. When no one has to fear walking down the street holding the hand of the person they love."
After listing his administration's achievement on LGBT issues, Obama announced that “we are moving ahead on Don’t Ask Don’t Tell." "I’m working with the Pentagon, its leadership, and the members of the House and Senate on ending this policy. Legislation has been introduced in the House to make this happen. I will end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. That’s my commitment to you."
The president then turned to the issue of legalizing same-sex marriages, saying, "I support ensuring that committed gay couples have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country."
"I believe strongly in stopping laws designed to take rights away and passing laws that extend equal rights to gay couples. I’ve required all agencies in the federal government to extend as many federal benefits as possible to LGBT families as the current law allows. And I’ve called on Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and to pass the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act."
Without naming names, the president criticized pro-family groups for trying to introduce and pass legislation to protect marriage that defines it as being between one man and one woman. These groups are pushing "divisive and deceptive efforts to feed people’s lingering fears for political and ideological gain," Obama charged.
"If we are honest with ourselves we’ll admit that there are too many who do not yet know in their lives or feel in their hearts the urgency of this struggle. That’s why I continue to speak about the importance of equality for LGBT families, and not just in front of gay audiences. That’s why Michelle and I have invited LGBT families to the White House to participate in events like the Easter Egg Roll, because we want to send a message."
“That’s the promise of America, HRC. That’s the promise we’re called to fulfill. Day by day, law by law, changing mind by mind, that is the promise we are fulfilling,” President Obama said, finishing his speech.
He and his cronies are going to try to destroy everything that made The United States great... it’s truly a crime against humanity.
This guy has no sand. He’s for everything...that’s bad for America.
No wonder he hasn’t chosen a church as yet.
Question: Why doesn’t Obama pray?
Answer: You can’t read a teleprompter with your eyes closed.
Didn’t this clymer run for president supporting the DOMA? More hope and change. Getting a Nobel Prize can really go to your head fast.
He has ended ANY hope of his presidency being extended and handed the Republicans what they needed. over 65% of America is totally against him on this as evidenced by the may states passing constitutional amendments or laws proving they reject homosexual marriage as equal to one man one woman marriage.
I resent the hell out of you Barrack Hussein Obama because you hate America and the family.
ANTICHRIST EVIL BASTARD and I will not apopolgize for speaking the God given truth
Oh my gosh enough already.... this is like having a never ending flu that turns into cancer that turns into watching stand up comedy with Rosie O’Donnell!!! This BS has got to stop....
Where is the audio of this speech? It should be broadcast across the entire nation so everyone can hear it.
So I guess he won’t have any objections when his girls bring home lesbos to get hitched to.
A radical in the Wh reshaping the entire government to become part of his never ending campaign. The Hatch Act has been secretly repealed. Everything is in place to fulfill the leftist dreams of one-party autocracy.
Excellent issue for next year’s congressional elections. He can’t do it himself, he needs Congress to change existing law. Republicans can use this like a club to beat their opponents, and I predict Democrats will be running on a “don’t repeal” platform in many districts.
Join the club.
His kids are going to an expensive private school.
Wonder if he cleared that with Michelle.
John Bolton and men of like courage and mind, how much more are we going to take?
He’s chosen a church. It is just not one of God.
Whew!! If he thinks he felt the hot breath of h*ll this past summer during the townhalls over healthcare, wait until he tries to repeal the DOMA!!! He's going to learn what *HEAT* is all about!!!
As of today, October 12, 2009, how is the court case in Justice Carter’s court coming? This may bring about an end to this national nightmare.
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