More From Pols, Activists on Obama Marriage Statement

Antonio Villaraigosa, mayor of Los Angeles, via Twitter: “We stand w/Pres. Obama -- love doesn't have a color, love doesn't care if you're gay or straight. Love doesn't discriminate #MarriageEquality.”

Herndon Graddick, president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation: “The arc of history today bent a little closer to equality for every American. After hearing the stories of countless couples and families, President Obama has drawn the same conclusion shared across party lines and by a majority of Americans today: everyone deserves the opportunity to marry the person they love. As our nation draws closer to a more perfect union in which every person is created equal, we are left deeply encouraged by this truly watershed moment.”

Hector Vargas, executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association: “GLMA applauds the President for stating his support for marriage equality. For many years, GLMA has advocated for the freedom to marry citing the large body of scientific research indicating that the denial of marriage rights to gay men and lesbians can negatively impact their health and well-being and that of their children. Professional health organizations such as the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association and American Psychiatric Association have issued policy statements noting that the denial from marriage is discriminatory.

“GLMA stands ready to support advocacy initiatives nationwide for marriage equality by using the expertise of our health professional membership. We are hopeful the President’s support will help advance efforts to ensure everyone throughout the United States will have the freedom to marry.”

Sharon Lettman-Hicks, Executive Director and CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition: “It is an honor to witness our President take such a strong stand in support of gay and lesbian couples across the country, This affirmation reinforces the Administration’s ongoing commitment to LGBT Americans and our families.

“As my (s)hero, Barbara Jordan, once said, ‘one thing is clear to me: we, as human beings, must be willing to accept people who are different from ourselves.’ Here is President Obama, the nation’s first Black president, taking a position that no sitting president in history has had the fortitude to ever take. If anyone in America has ever wondered what courageous leadership looks like, here it is.”

Steering Committee of the Gay, Lesbian and Allies Senate Staff Caucus: As an organization created to promote the welfare and dignity of LGBT employees in the U.S. Senate, the Gay, Lesbian, Allies and Senate Staff Caucus joins in the chorus of our community to celebrate President Obama’s statement on marriage equality.

“While we do not take specific policy positions, as we witness a sitting president evolve on this issue, we are reminded of how far we’ve come since GLASS was founded in 2004, and how proud we are to be working openly in the Senate today. As a bipartisan organization, we believe that full equality for  the LGBT community should supersede politics. We look forward to sharing this  message in our individual and professional capacities as we live and work among our Senate colleagues, and we thank the president for his leadership.”