Obama On Gay Marriage Position: 'I'm Still Working On It'

President Barack Obama signaled during an interview with ABC News on Monday that his position on the issue of gay marriage is still evolving.

Obama said that there is "no doubt" he is seeing friends, families and children of gay couples "thriving" and that his observations affect his posture toward the issue.

HuffPost's Amanda Terkel reported over the weekend:

President Obama forcefully called for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act on Saturday night at the annual Human Rights Campaign fundraising dinner, but he did not come out in support of marriage equality, as some hoped he would do.

The 3,000 attendees at the dinner, which took place at the Washington Convention Center, gave the president multiple standing ovations when he touted the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples and spoke out against the bullying of LGBT youth.

The most electric reaction, however, came when Obama sharply criticized the GOP presidential candidates for staying silent when audience members at a debate booed a gay soldier who asked a question about DADT.

At the event, the president said, "We don't believe in the kind of smallness that says it's okay for a stage full of political leaders -- one of whom could end up being the president of the United States -- being silent when an American soldier is booed. We don't believe in that."

Asked on Monday if his stance on gay marriage could be expected to change ahead of the 2012 election, Obama said, "I'm still working on it."

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Comments

[Vineyard House]

05:50 PM on 10/07/2011

Unfortunately, I think the President is playing politics right now. After he is re-elected, I believe we will see a much more pro-gay administration... I believe it and I am waiting Mr. President.

[ZenGardner]

10:17 AM on 10/06/2011

I prefer the attitude of "I'm still working on it" too "No way in he!!"

[cenourinha]

01:14 PM on 10/10/2011

true, but it's still incredibly frustrating to hear him equivocate on this so much. Especially given that by his actions and other statements, there is very strong evidence that he does support marriage equality.

Has he read the polls? Does he know that the majority of americans support marriage equality? Does he realize he has very little to lose by choosing a side? And who is it he thinks he'll lose at the polls? The far right social conservatives who would rather vote for a dog (paraphrasing another HP article) than for him?

Please.

[raul415]

02:40 PM on 10/24/2011

You're entitled to your frustrations but in cold political terms you have to remember that none of the things he's done so far are in his larger political interest. While we, gay people are an important voting block we are not a majority by any means.

By the way, when was the last time you heard a President say he was evolving about ANYTHING.

[Volantiad]

12:01 PM on 10/05/2011

I'm reading comments suggesting Obama vascillates and that when he does it's to gain the support of one demographic vice/in contradiciton to another for the sake of winning in 2012. I disagree. He makes bold promises and then when possible slowly-but-surely fulfills them. DADT is exemplary. I think DOMA will follow suit within 18 months. When you consider, for example, how many years it took to racially integrate the armed forces Obama's change making pace is on par. The reality is that there are a sufficient number of Americans who do not believe in civil rights, human diginity or equity and they are the focus of media attention and political pundits. Although they are a minority, they push hard against progress. They hope their disgruntlement will be contageous. If we want to live in a country that fulfills the potential of its' constitutional mandate we must keep our chins up, push back and keep pushing. How do people who undermine Obama see the success of the Tea Party working out in our favor? He's not Santa Claus: he can't just give us health care, equitible taxes for the super rich and the improvement of our civil rights wraped up in ribbon under a tree. Please think again about your expectations of the pace that he fulfills his promises: he's good for them. We just need to be grown ups and understand that doesn't happen by waving a magic wand. WE need to support him and defend ourselves.

[truth be told again]

03:39 PM on 10/05/2011

Excellent precis of th eissue and situation.

An fyi, most of the anti-Obama/anti-equality rants here are from (sometimes self-admitted) Republican shills.

[raul415]

02:41 PM on 10/24/2011

Amen! Amen!

[Shannon Barber]

09:26 AM on 10/05/2011

He supports marriage equality but can't say so until he is re- elected. He would lose the black church vote if he did, and he needs them. I know this, because my family is very left leaning on everything EXCEPT gay rights. They despise homosexuals on the basis of religious belief. They even sent me to conversion therapy when I was 12. I know many other black church goers who feel the exact same way. He cannot anger such a large part of his base. 91% of African Americans love Barack Obama. If he makes them mad, we run the risk of the likes of one of the horror shows that is the GOP candidate pool in the Oval Office.

[duckpuddle]

11:41 AM on 10/05/2011

You speak about the nuance that most are overlooking. Even with this political reality, Obama supports the repeal of DOMA.

Rather than focusing on Obama's stated views, we should be pressuring congress people to co-sponsor the DOMA repeal and bring it to a vote. Obama will sign it!

[FearlessFreep]

01:11 PM on 10/05/2011

If someone else does the work, he won't veto it.

[janha]

09:51 PM on 10/04/2011

That's a foolish position because everyone know's he supports it. He even stated it when he was a senator. Obama, stop playing politics with your stance on this issue and be honest. Most of America supports it.

[duckpuddle]

11:39 AM on 10/05/2011

Even if it is a political calculation on his part, he need to hold that view to get reelected. His support for the repeal of DOMA is much more powerful tactic.

If he cam out in support of equality, he would get slammed and lose the election. A president romney will never sign the DOMA repeal.

[truth be told again]

03:42 PM on 10/05/2011

That is such a sad observation of America: "If he cam[e] out in support of equality, he would get slammed and lose the election."

America USED to promise equality to all its citizens. Now, it's cause for "slamming" and losing elections.

Lo, how the mighty have fallen.

[SoCalChris]

06:49 PM on 10/04/2011

Here is the extended headline:

"Obama On Gay Marriage Position: 'I'm Still Working On It... Trying To Decide If It's As Politically Convenient As My Other Pro-LGBT Rights Initiatives, But Rest Assured, If It's At All Possible Without Compromising My Other Special Interests, I Will Pander To The LGBT Vote And Change My Position."

Obama is no gay rights warrior. Heck, CHENEY is a bigger supporter, DESPITE his political party.

[Juliawerck]

05:17 PM on 10/04/2011

This President still has my vote. The teaparty does not want to hear the Gay, or homosexual.
They think Bachmanns clinic is a cure all.

[truth be told again]

03:25 PM on 10/04/2011

All this whining, b!itching and complaining about Obama is BADLY misdirected. He cannot repeal laws passed by Congress. The way you all tyhpe, one gets the impression you believe America is a monarchy in which the "King" can simply declare an edict and woila, it's done. That isn't how it works.

Meanwhile, if you aren't already married, go GET married. There are 6 current US jurisdictions in which you can get LEGALLY MARRIED, at least one of which (New York State) has NO residency requirement. Or you can come to Canada and likewise get legally married. Once you are legally married, then it will be YOUR responsibility to tell your legislators you want the government to recognize your perfectly legal marriage. It is only legislators that can repeal the DoMA, and they haven't heard from enough of us.

Obama has done more for LGBT folk in America than ALL other Presidents combined.

THEN, think (yes, actually THINK) about the alternative. Do you actually believe a Republican President has your interests in mind? Heck, there's a GOP movement to re-criminalize same-gender behaviours between consenting adults. ("Montana GOP Policy: Make Homosexuality Illegal" - Link: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/18/politics/main6879243.shtml )

Quit b!tching and get to work. The Teathuglicans are already busy working to destroy what we currently have and their strategy to get us unhappey with Obama seems to be working.

[Michael73501]

04:08 PM on 10/04/2011

Yes... Obama has thrown LGBT folks under-the-bus more than once.

Obama will opine or even quickly change his opinion on LGBT issues - as he may on ANY issue - if his political calculations change it. Who in the world needs that??

ONE and done...!!!

[truth be told again]

11:13 PM on 10/04/2011

Consider the alternative. Do you really want to go backwards?

[Volantiad]

12:07 PM on 10/05/2011

So, Michael73501, who is it you're planning on voting for in 2012 who is going to do a better or equally good job of defending LGBT Americans?

[duckpuddle]

11:24 AM on 10/05/2011

Agreed.

Obama's personal viewpoint has no bearing on any federal law. Marriage laws are at the state level. Talk to your state reps if your state does not allow same-sex marriage.

Obama is committed to repeal of the unconstitutional DOMA. But like DADT, the only way for more or less permanent repeal is via legislation. Talk to your US reps to make sure that every member of your state's delegation is a co-sponsor.

[Sock Monkey]

03:21 PM on 10/04/2011

"Asked on Monday if his stance on gay marriage could be expected to change ahead of the 2012 election, Obama said, "I'm still working on it."

I didn't realize anything was broken.

I'm pretty sure it's a black and white question and the answer he gives is gray. Which way is the wind blowing today Mr. president ??

[FearlessFreep]

10:35 PM on 10/04/2011

"I didn't realize anything was broken." You can't break an inchoate blob.

[truth be told again]

11:13 PM on 10/04/2011

Ah yes, consider the GOP ...

'Nuff said.

[caligal5]

02:39 PM on 10/04/2011

Can't freaking believe that obama gets a 'pass' for his stance on gay marriage yet republicans with the same view are persecuted. What freaking hypocrisy! Hate Dick Cheney much?? He supports gay marriage - said it proudly even though it was contrary to Bush's position. Until this freaking double-standard stops - I'm withholding my support (won't vote against, but will no longer vote in favor. Sorry. hate hypocrits!)

[truth be told again]

11:15 PM on 10/04/2011

If you don't vote "in favor", you will get what you are against - the GOP.

[Volantiad]

12:10 PM on 10/05/2011

Truth be told again, you couldn't be more correct. Tea Partiers would love for there to be an epidemic of disgruntled average Americans who, out of misguided disappointmen, with held their vote for Obama, easily clearing the way for any of their hateful wackjobs.

[truth be told again]

03:49 PM on 10/05/2011

Oops, my error, thinking you were "against" inequality.

And yes, frankly, I DO hate Cheney - MUCH. Can YOU say "Waterboarding is not torture!"? He didn't even have the stones to stand up for his own DAUGHTER while he was in office, when his voice would have helped make a difference.

[duckpuddle]

11:29 AM on 10/05/2011

Chaney did not sign the repeal of DADT into law.

Obama supports the repeal of DOMA on constitutional grounds. That is what matters.

Even if he changes his view, that won't change the work that need to be done in each state.

By simply not voting you run the risk of seeing a President Romney, who will NOT support the repeal of the DOMA.

[metogamekun]

02:20 PM on 10/04/2011

The bus is leaving the station Mr. President. Are you going to be on it?

[truth be told again]

03:16 PM on 10/04/2011

Grow up. It isn't the President's job alone - WE have to make it happen. He is not "King", and cannot overturn laws with the stroke of a pen or by fiat.

[metogamekun]

05:28 PM on 10/04/2011

I'm sorry. In my naive way, I thought "leaders" were to supposed lead.

Not sure how WE can make him decide if he's for or against.

[FearlessFreep]

10:36 PM on 10/04/2011

It's up to the followers to lead, you see.

[Michael73501]

04:12 PM on 10/04/2011

He may be in it.... BUT...

Who did he throw under it ??

[Rich914]

11:29 AM on 10/04/2011

Repealing the Orwellian titled DOMA, which actually challenges the State's powers to make laws pertaining to domestic relations, should be welcomed by libertarians and conservatives who say the despise Federal government interference and regulation of state and local issues. Recognition of family status including marriage or domestic partnerships, as the case may be, gives rise to and is necessary for the consequent recognition of legal guardianship, dependents, adopted and natural children, etc. Before states were required by law to legally recognize unions lawful in other states, divorce and common law marriage did not necessarily have legal recognition in other states, which limited the rights of Americans to travel and reside where they chose. DOMA essentially enables segregation among the states because it allows states to observe or disregard family relations, not just gay couples, but children, cousins, step siblings, etc. These relationships are integral not only to probate rights, whether by will or intestate, but in many other ways as well. Equal protection of citizens is not a state by state option and the DOMA can not make it an option.

[truth be told again]

11:21 PM on 10/04/2011

Agreed. DoMA explicitly exempts itself from the Full Faith & Credit Clause. How any law that exempts itself from provisions of the Constitution can be considered "Constitutional in the first place escapes me.

[duckpuddle]

11:36 AM on 10/05/2011

Yes. And OBAMA SUPPORTS THE REPEAL OF DOMA!

His support of DOMA's repeal will do more to change marriage at the state level that his personal viewpoint.

[r henry]

10:12 AM on 10/04/2011

You know, I give him more credit than any of the GOP candidates here. He is, at least, willing to "evolve" on this issue instead of staying in the dark ages.

[shyhon]

11:21 AM on 10/04/2011

Do you honestly think he is for gay marriage?
I'd be willing to be he isn't. Further, taking up an important and sensitive issue just as a candidate is coming toward election time smacks of insincerity to me.

[r henry]

12:07 PM on 10/04/2011

I don't define equality as having everyone believe gay marriage is okay. I define it by what rights I have. I don't care if he is personally for or against gay marriage as long as he can recognize that his personal feelings should not effect my rights, which he seems quite able to do.

As for his motives. I don't care about those, either. I care about my rights.

[jh61]

01:02 PM on 10/04/2011

He ran in 2008 on repealing DADT and DOMA. He is certainly not anti-gay and with over a year until the next election, your charge of insincerity is baseless.

[Sock Monkey]

03:23 PM on 10/04/2011

At least Ron Paul will tell you where he stands by saying it's not a federal issue to begin with.
It's not even a sates rights issue...it's a personal issue between two people and the government, both state and federal, has no right or legal authority to intervene.

[truth be told again]

11:44 PM on 10/04/2011

But the very job of government is to govern, to enact laws that 'govern' society. There are millions of laws that pertain to marriage. It is ultimately unrealistic to expect the government to bow out of their responsibility to legislate and regulate the effects that flow from marriage. It affects everythhing from pensions and inheritances, health-care (and other work-related) benefits, immigration (sponsoring a foreign-born spouse, like heterosexuals can and do), to divorce, alimony, child-support, not being required to testify against your spouse in a court of law, and on it goes, along with the attendant tax laws that cover such situations. That is what the government does, and it is why you need to get a government-issued license to marry.

For Ron Paul, or any other Republican to say the government has no legal authority is wrong; it is their very job. I sure as he11 wouldn't want The Church making those decisions/laws/regulations 'governing' (you should pardon the pun) my marriage. or anyone's.

It is MORE than "a personal issue between two people". There are ramifications of their relationship.

[gutenmorgen]

09:57 AM on 10/04/2011

There appears to be much confusion about legal "marriage" of same-gender couples. Every marriage in our nation is also a contract between the married couple and the state which issued the couple a marriage license. Suppose you want to find out whether your intended is not already married. Would you try to find the secular or else religious person who actually might have married him/her or would you ask for state or local records on marriages before vowing "I do, I do"? Furthermore the US constitution demands that any state B recognizes all legal marriages of state A without any reference to which church representative actually performed the marriage in A. If you want to get legally divorced your church cannot do that for you but a judge representing your state can. Hence the constitutional issue has nothing to do with what you think or feel or have been taught about "marriage". It comes down to the state having to prove by compelling reasons that issuing a marriage license to same-gender couples will hurt the great majority of the citizens of that state in some provable manner and that proof may not involve any religiously-based arguments. Once the "great majority of citizens" no longer objects it is all over.

[duckpuddle]

11:00 AM on 10/04/2011

Yes, except that DOMA makes a federal carve out to non-recognize same-sex marriages regardless of the states posture. It also enables states to not recognize marriages performed in other states.

I'm proud that Obama got rid of DADT and I'm satisfied that he supports and is acting towards the repeal of DOMA.

It is up to us to get DOMA debated. The best way to to that is to make sure each or our congressional delegations fully co-sponsor the bill.

[truth be told again]

11:45 PM on 10/04/2011

You get it. Congrats. And thank you. Fave'd and badged.

[mustardhead98]

09:52 AM on 10/04/2011

"I'm still working on it"......translation....."I'll check the polls to see what I believe.....then, I'll get back to you......"

Have you EVER seen such a wishy washy president? Yikes!!!

[duckpuddle]

11:01 AM on 10/04/2011

Have you ever seen any other president stop defending DOMA?

Have you ever seen any other president sign repeal legislation for DADT?

[SoCalChris]

06:54 PM on 10/04/2011

Has it ever been politically convenient for any other president to stop defending DOMA?

Has it ever been politically convenient for any other president to sign repeal legislation for DADT?

[FearlessFreep]

10:43 PM on 10/04/2011

When Obama was defending DADT's constitutionality, his admirers kept saying "He has no choice." It turned out he had a choice after all, and it only took him two or three years to make that choice...

[jh61]

01:03 PM on 10/04/2011

What duck said.