More From Pols, Activists on Obama Marriage Statement

Reed, Warren, Brown

Many more politicians and LGBT rights activists are making statements in support of President Obama's endorsement of marriage equality.

Colorado representative Jared Polis, one of four openly gay members of Congress: “President Obama's announcement in support of marriage equality is welcome news for American families. I thank the president for his support for equality and look forward to working with him to strengthen the institution of marriage by securing the right of all Americans to marry the person they love.”

Jack Reed, U.S. senator from Rhode Island, via Twitter: “I support same-sex marriage and will cosponsor the Respect for Marriage Act.”

Elizabeth Warren, candidate for U.S. senator from Massachusetts, via Twitter: “Proud to stand with our president in support of marriage equality. Thank you.” In contrast, an aide to Scott Brown, who she is seeking to unseat, emailed this equivocal statement to The Boston Globe: “Regardless of how states choose to define marriage, Senator Brown believes all people should be treated with dignity and respect. Right now, Americans of all backgrounds desperately need jobs, and that is what Senator Brown is focused on.”

John Conyers, congressman from Michigan: “I commend President Obama for his support of marriage equality. The right to choose whom to marry is not just a civil right, but a fundamental human right. That is why I opposed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 and support its repeal today. And it is why I strongly support President Obama taking a stand on this important moral issue. President Obama and Vice President Biden have taken courageous, sound, and appropriate positions supporting equal rights for all Americans.”

Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York City: “This is a major turning point in the history of American civil rights. No American president has ever supported a major expansion of civil rights that has not ultimately been adopted by the American people -- and I have no doubt that this will be no exception. The march of freedom that has sustained our country since the Revolution of 1776 continues, and no matter what setbacks may occur in a given state, freedom will triumph over fear and equality will prevail over exclusion. Today's announcement is a testament to the President's convictions, and it builds on the courageous stands that so many Americans have taken over the years on behalf of equal rights for gay and lesbian Americans, stretching back to the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village.”