US President Obama took a step closer to confirming his support for gay marriage in America, and in New York when he spoke at a fund raiser meeting. The battle is being a fierce one in New York currently and the president seemed to wow the assembled gay and lesbian donors Thursday night
Mr. Obama said at the event,
"I believe that gay couples deserve the same legal rights as every other couple in this country."
Most of his words were met with applause from a packed room of 600 wealthy and well heeled gay and lesbian democratic campaign donors. However during the speech, about mid way through some people in the audience started to chant. "Marriage. Marriage. Marriage," they said. They wanted Mr. Obama to give a full and vocal endorsement of same-sex marriage. They didn’t get that, but they did get acknowledgment, "I heard you guys." he said. A little later he returned to the subject, , "Traditionally marriage has been decided by the states, and right now, I understand there's a little debate going on here in New York." But that was it, no overwhelming support, no big fanfare, no bells, no whistles and no pink glitter.
President Obama has pledged his support of civil unions for gay couples, but not gay marriage, a position The White House describes as "evolving." However, some at the fundraiser and elsewhere in the gay community claim it’s not evolving fast enough.
"I wish that he would be a lot more convincing and supportive." one of those attending the function told national broadcaster CBS news, a wish that has been echoed around New York and around America
Politico’s Julie Mason said "He doesn't want to alienate some moderates who are not really comfortable with the president taking that strong a stand on gay marriage. So it's a bit of a political calculation. Also, I'm just not sure he personally believes it. He has never indicated that has."
Gay rights activists all over the nation claim that as Obama was elected on a platform of "inclusion," denying any group of equal rights should be uncomfortable. "For him to come here at this historic moment and say things, but not mention anything about the battle that we're going through, or not come out finally and support marriage equality is unacceptable." said Christin Meador, from the group Queer Rising.
It seems pretty clear that with the election looming, the chances of Mr. Obama's position on same-sex marriage will changing anytime soon are pretty slim.
However, not supporting gay rights and same-sex marriage could be a costly one. it should be noted that the price of a ticket for this New York get together was $35,000 per guest. The support of a group of people that can afford to spend that much is very financially important.
Jason Shaw
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