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Obama Renews Promises to Dismayed Gay Leaders

President vows to repeal DOMA, open military to all

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 30, 2009 8:42 AM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama turned on the charm at a reception yesterday for gay, lesbian, and transgender activists at the White House, where he tried to dispel worries he was dragging his feet on campaign promises. "I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration" by the time it's over, he said to applause. As the Washington Post reports, many advocates were happy for the recognition, on the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, but still angry at perceived slights.

At the reception Obama pledged to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell, pass a federal hate crimes bill named after Matthew Shepard, and overturn the Defense of Marriage Act—eventually. "This is so incredibly historic and symbolic," one attendee said. He said it was courageous of Obama to host the event, but added: "It doesn't take away the pain that the Justice Department issued a brief equating gays to pedophiles and incest."

Barack and Michelle Obama host a reception for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Month in the East Room of the White House, Monday, June 29, 2009, in Washington.
Barack and Michelle Obama host a reception for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Month in the East Room of the White House, Monday, June 29, 2009, in Washington.   (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
Dozens of gay rights protesters demonstrate outside the Beverly Hills hotel, where Barack Obama attended a Democratic Party fundraiser in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Dozens of gay rights protesters demonstrate outside the Beverly Hills hotel, where Barack Obama attended a Democratic Party fundraiser in Beverly Hills, Calif.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Americans living in Paris hold placards of US President Barack Obama during the annual Gay Pride in Paris, Saturday June 27, 2009.
Americans living in Paris hold placards of US President Barack Obama during the annual Gay Pride in Paris, Saturday June 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Barack Obama greets guests at a reception for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Month in the East Room of the White House, Monday, June 29, 2009, in Washington.
Barack Obama greets guests at a reception for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Month in the East Room of the White House, Monday, June 29, 2009, in Washington.   (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
Ucantusethatname
Jul 18, 2009 1:47 AM CDT
Obama will promise anything to anyone if it gets him a vote.
Doctor-Zaius
Jul 1, 2009 5:14 AM CDT
Corona Kink, that is the same lie that has been told to every oppressed minority since the beginning of minority oppression. Quite frankly you disgust me on many levels. I hope you stick around so I can enjoy rubbing in just how wrong you are.
Mad
Jun 30, 2009 10:31 AM CDT
I, too, am a vet and I think DADT was a disaster. Good quality personal are still getting kicked out if they have a homophobic CO or XO. One could serve with distinction and honor at one command and yet at the next tour of duty, encounter a hostile workplace. DADT solved nothing. Either Gays are allowed to serve in the military, or we legislate against them. I can only see America losing if we openly decriminalization against any group of individuals who wish to serve our country

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