President Obama Commits to Repeal DOMA

The President criticized pro-family groups for trying to introduce and pass legislation to protect marriage.

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Washington, D.C. (CNA) - This past Saturday evening, Barack Obama became the first U.S. President to make an appearance at the Human Rights Campaign, the largest pro-gay "marriage" organization in the country. President Obama delivered an impassioned speech in which he criticized the concept of the traditional family and announced that his administration will work to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA.)

Speaking at the black-tie event, President Obama assessed the progress made by the gay agenda, saying, "despite the real gains that we've made, there's still laws to change and there's still hearts to open."

"There are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbors, even loved ones, good and decent people, who hold fast to outworn arguments and old attitudes; who fail to see your families like their families; who would deny you the rights most Americans take for granted. And that's painful and it's heartbreaking," he lamented.

The president then asserted that homosexual couples "have demonstrated before the world that different kinds of families can show the same compassion in a time of need," and praised the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for "helping to elect candidates who share your values; standing against those who would enshrine discrimination into our Constitution; advocating on behalf of those living with HIV/AIDS; and fighting for progress in our capital and across America."

"This fight," the president said, "continues now. And I'm here with a simple message: I'm here with you in that fight."

"We have made progress and we will make more. And I think it's important to remember that there is not a single issue that my administration deals with on a daily basis that does not touch on the lives of the LGBT community," the U.S. leader added.

Obama then promised the audience that "you will see a time in which we as a nation finally recognize relationships between two men or two women as just as real and admirable as relationships between a man and a woman. You will see a nation that's valuing and cherishing these families as we build a more perfect union -- a union in which gay Americans are an important part."

During his speech, the President revealed that he met recently at the Oval Office with Dennis and Judy Shepard, whose son Matthew, a homosexual college student, was killed in Wyoming 11 years ago. He said he promised them "that we were going to pass an inclusive hate crimes bill -- a bill named for her son." "I can announce that after more than a decade, this bill is set to pass and I will sign it into law," he said to cheers and applause.

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"Together," he stated, "we will have moved closer to that day when no one has to be afraid to be gay in America. When no one has to fear walking down the street holding the hand of the person they love."

After listing his administration's achievement on LGBT issues, Obama announced that "we are moving ahead on Don't Ask Don't Tell." "I'm working with the Pentagon, its leadership, and the members of the House and Senate on ending this policy. Legislation has been introduced in the House to make this happen. I will end Don't Ask, Don't Tell. That's my commitment to you."

The president then turned to the issue of legalizing same-sex marriages, saying, "I support ensuring that committed gay couples have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country."

"I believe strongly in stopping laws designed to take rights away and passing laws that extend equal rights to gay couples. I've required all agencies in the federal government to extend as many federal benefits as possible to LGBT families as the current law allows. And I've called on Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and to pass the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act."

Without naming names, the president criticized pro-family groups for trying to introduce and pass legislation to protect marriage that defines it as being between one man and one woman. These groups are pushing "divisive and deceptive efforts to feed people's lingering fears for political and ideological gain," Obama charged.

"If we are honest with ourselves we'll admit that there are too many who do not yet know in their lives or feel in their hearts the urgency of this struggle. That's why I continue to speak about the importance of equality for LGBT families, and not just in front of gay audiences. That's why Michelle and I have invited LGBT families to the White House to participate in events like the Easter Egg Roll, because we want to send a message."

"That's the promise of America, HRC. That's the promise we're called to fulfill. Day by day, law by law, changing mind by mind, that is the promise we are fulfilling," President Obama said, finishing his speech.

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