Democratic
presidential candidate Barack Obama took a strong stand this
weekend against a constitutional amendment to appear on
California's ballot in November that would
effectively overturn the state supreme court's
recent decision legalizing same-sex marriage.
In a letter to
the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club read yesterday at
the group's annual Pride Breakfast, Senator Obama wrote,
"I am proud to join with and support the LGBT
community in an effort to set our nation on a course
that recognizes LGBT Americans with full equality under the
law ... that is why I oppose the divisive and
discriminatory efforts to amend the California
Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S.
Constitution or those of other states."
A campaign
spokesperson confirmed the authenticity of the letter, the
full text of which is available below.
"For too
long, issues of LGBT rights have been exploited by those
seeking to divide us. It's time to move beyond
polarization and live up to our founding promise of
equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and
respect," the senator wrote.
Obama also stated
his support for "extending fully equal rights and
benefits to same-sex couples under both state and federal
law," and reiterated his desire to repeal the
Defense of Marriage Act and "don't ask,
don't tell" as well pass legislation to
protect LGBT American against hate crimes and
employment discrimination. Obama closed the letter by
congratulating those who have chosen to celebrate their love
by getting married in the past several weeks. (The
Advocate)
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Dear Friends,
Thank you for the
opportunity to welcome everyone to the Alice B. Toklas
LGBT Democratic Club's Pride Breakfast and to congratulate
you on continuing a legacy of success, stretching back
thirty-six years. As one of the oldest and most
influential LGBT organizations in the country, you
have continually rallied to support Democratic candidates
and causes, and have fought tirelessly to secure equal
rights and opportunities for LGBT Americans in
California and throughout the country.
As the Democratic
nominee for President, I am proud to join with and
support the LGBT community in an effort to set our nation on
a course that recognizes LGBT Americans with full
equality under the law. That is why I support
extending fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex
couples under both state and federal law. That is why
I support repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and
the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, and the passage of
fully inclusive laws to protect LGBT Americans from
hate crimes and employment discrimination. And that is why
I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend
the California Constitution, and similar efforts to
amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states.
For too long,
issues of LGBT rights have been exploited by those seeking
to divide us. It's time to move beyond polarization and live
up to our founding promise of equality by treating all
our citizens with dignity and respect. This is no less
than a core issue about who we are as Democrats and as
Americans.
Finally, I want
to congratulate all of you who have shown your love for
each other by getting married these last few weeks. My
thanks again to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic
Club for allowing me to be a part of today's
celebration. I look forward to working with you in the
coming months and years, and I wish you all continued
success.
Sincerely,
Barack
Obama
