For those of you who read the official WH response to Kerry Eleveld regarding the overturning of Prop 8:
“The President has spoken out in opposition to Proposition 8 because it is divisive and discriminatory. He will continue to promote equality for LGBT Americans.”
Be sure to carefully parse that before believing he is celebrating with you – he has a different definition of “equality” that he is still preparing to defend. (The Politico):
Asked for White House reaction to Wednesday’s ruling, spokesman Ben Labolt pointed out that President Barack Obama has publicly opposed the same-sex marriage ban “because it is divisive and discriminatory.” However, he said the President “will continue to promote equality for LGBT Americans.”
Nevertheless, Obama has also publicly opposed same-sex marriage, and a White House aide said the president’s position has not changed.
“He supports civil unions, doesn’t personally support gay marriage though he supports repealing the Defense of Marriage Act, and has opposed divisive and discriminatory initiatives like Prop. 8 in other states,” said the official, who asked not to be named.
Yes, we have a biracial constitutional law scholar for a President who still believes that “god is in the mix” and that separate is equal when it comes to marriage. As we noted earlier, with DOMA cases knocking at the DOJ’s door, it’s going to be put up or shut up (and shut the wallet by a lot of LGBTs) very soon.
Should also make it interesting for the next White House briefing. Do you think that Robert Gibbs will call on The Advocate’s Kerry Eleveld and get someone from the WH on the freaking record?
If Obama wants to “promote equality for LGBT Americans,” he can support full equality, not “separate, but equal” civil unions. That’s so 2008. And, it has to change.
Please sign our open letter to President Obama asking him to come out in support of full marriage equality. It’s time for Obama to get on the right side of history. And, we have to let him know that’s where he needs to be.