The Obama campaign has sent out its first email fundraising off of the president's announcement of support for same-sex marriage.
The email is largely an explanation of the president's decision, including a quite conspicuous line that notes his "respect" for "the right of religious institutions to act in accordance with their own doctrines." But tucked under the president's signature is a line making an explicit donation ask.
The early word from Democrats is that the campaign is enjoying a major fundraising haul following Obama's sit-down interview with ABC's Robin Roberts. BuzzFeed reported that $1 million was raised in 90 minutes -- a remarkable sum of cash for such a short period of time. Ben LaBolt, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, said the campaign was not discussing fundraising numbers.
The main portion of the email is below.
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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