Today, I was asked a direct question and gave a direct answer:

I believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.

I hope you'll take a moment to watch the conversation, consider it, and

weigh in yourself on behalf of marriage equality:

[url]



I've always believed that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated

fairly and equally. I was reluctant to use the term marriage because of the

very powerful traditions it evokes. And I thought civil union laws that

conferred legal rights upon gay and lesbian couples were a solution.

But over the course of several years I've talked to friends and family

about this. I've thought about members of my staff in long-term, committed,

same-sex relationships who are raising kids together. Through our efforts

to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, I've gotten to know some of the

gay and lesbian troops who are serving our country with honor and

distinction.

What I've come to realize is that for loving, same-sex couples, the denial

of marriage equality means that, in their eyes and the eyes of their

children, they are still considered less than full citizens.

Even at my own dinner table, when I look at Sasha and Malia, who have

friends whose parents are same-sex couples, I know it wouldn't dawn on them

that their friends' parents should be treated differently.

So I decided it was time to affirm my personal belief that same-sex couples

should be allowed to marry.

I respect the beliefs of others, and the right of religious institutions to

act in accordance with their own doctrines. But I believe that in the eyes

of the law, all Americans should be treated equally. And where states enact

same-sex marriage, no federal act should invalidate them.

If you agree, you can stand up with me

here.



Thank you,

Barack

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