Statement of Equality Pennsylvania: Well Done, Mr. President!

Harrisburg: Today, President Obama voiced the singular truth about marriage equality that all of us have known all along — the ability for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) couples to formalize their relationships in the official bonds of civil marriage is fair, just and simply the right thing to do.

The President’s decision to support marriage equality comes on the heels of yesterday’s mean-spirited vote on a constitutional amendment on marriage in North Carolina that was clearly meant to divide and demonize. Barack Obama chose a different path today and we believe it truly represents what so many Americans are really feeling about LGBT relationships. His evolution is not unlike the experiences of thousands of people who have come to know that the struggles, the triumphs, the ups and the downs of LGBT couples are remarkably like their own. In fact, they are the same.

Equality Pennsylvania dismisses the charges of those who claim this as pure politics or a cynical ploy for votes. Fairness is welcome at any time, and we celebrate both the President’s courage and leadership in his landmark announcement today. This President has led in so many ways over the past three years when it comes to equality for LGBT Americans. We recognize that progression and we look at today as one more historic step in making all of us truly equal.

Earlier this year, Equality Pennsylvania unanimously endorsed President Obama for a second term. We did so because we believe him to be the best president ever for the LGBT community. His announcement today fully reinforces our choice. We stand behind his re-election and we are pleased to see that our President Adrian Shanker will be heading to the Democratic National Convention as a Delegate in September to help make the President’s re-nomination a reality.