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Gays Rankle at Obama's Unkept Promises

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 4, 2009 1:39 PM CDT

(Newser) – Gay-rights supporters in and outside of Washington are getting fed up with President Obama’s perceived inaction on their core issues, Politico reports. Obama has been unwilling to back gay marriage, and has yet to fulfill his campaign promise of repealing the Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal recognition of the same. “Obama is out of step with his party,” one activist said. “He’s out of step with the next generation.”

“The president remains fully committed to advancing LGBT rights,” an Obama aide said, noting recent progress in hate crime legislation. “While we recognize that some in the community are anxious, the president’s commitment has not wavered.” DC's gay leaders have stayed relatively quiet, but it’s only because they cherish a White House relationship, Politico adds. In actuality, the “professional gay crowd feels a sense of impending betrayal,” says an insider.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Gay rights protesters demonstrate outside the Beverly Hills hotel where President Barack Obama attended a Democratic Party fundraiser last week. (AP Photo)

Gay rights protesters demonstrate outside the Beverly Hills hotel where Obama attended a Democratic Party fundraiser. (AP Photo)

During the campaign, Obama appeared at an event to speak about LGBT issues. (AP Photo)

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All the [protesters] are Obama people who love and support our president. But he didn’t stand up for us, and until he does we’re going to love him enough to be tough on him. - Mike Bonin, gay activist and former Obama campaign staffer

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 13 comments

Shannonals

Jun 7, 2009 7:39 AM CDT

It is the states right to make the call, not the government. If the people of whichever state vote a certain way, than the people have spoken, it's not the Presidents call to make a state vote according to his wants and needs

prowlerzee

Jun 5, 2009 6:05 AM CDT

Oh, really? He's fighting the economy? Then why is he overseas smooooooooooooching up to vile Saudi royalty and saying their women should have the "freedom" to wear drapes?

prowlerzee

Jun 5, 2009 6:03 AM CDT

Surrrrrrre. Check back when you come down off the Hopium, Robn. "Behind the scenes reasons" also explain why Fraudbama campaigned with homophobes in South Carolina, Texas, California, and got one to read the invocation at his inauguration, hm? Dope.

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gay rights • gay marriage • Washington DC • Obama administration • President Obama • Defense of Marriage Act • campaign promises • gay activists

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