By Austin Bucci
Staff Writer
On May 9, Barack Obama became the first president to openly support same-sex marriage in an interview with ABC. In order to appeal to undecided voters who oppose the issue, Obama chose to show support for civil unions. He avoided using the word marriage because some religious groups, such as Christians and Muslims, believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. However, like most Democrats, Obama finally articulated his views for marriage equality.
In that same interview with ABC Obama said that he has long wanted to reveal his wish of equality for all in this country. Obama also stated that it bothers him that his friends, family, and staff in loving same-sex relationships could not officially get married. He expressed that it personally pains him when equal rights are denied to the gay and lesbian soldiers overseas who risk their lives for our country every day.
Obama has received a lot of support from Democratic political officials. His Vice President, Joe Biden, also expressed his approval of gay marriage and applauded Obama for speaking out.
Junior Logan Miszencin consented, “I’m glad Obama showed support for gay marriage. I think that will get more people accepting of it and help Obama’s chances at a second term.”
Although his open approval will not legalize same-sex marriage, as the issue is up for state ratification, it does increase national support for marriage equality. A Gallup poll taken about a week after Obama’s announcement shows that 50 percent of Americans approve gay marriage.
Although many Americans are excited about the president’s sanction, he has also received backlash from skeptics and conservatives. Some Americans have taken a cynical approach to Obama’s decision, calling him a “flip-flopper” who changed his views to gain publicity and support from gay marriage supporters. Senior Maddie Ody agreed, “I feel like he’s just doing it for the votes. I don’t think he personally supports it.”
Another source of negative feedback comes from conservative Republicans, such as Obama’s opponent, Mitt Romney. Romney doesn’t believe “fundamental principals” should be a threatened issue. He continually rejects the idea of same-sex couples having the right to marry, saying that marriage should be an institution between a man and a woman.
