Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


19

Obama Renews Promises to Dismayed Gay Leaders

President vows to repeal DOMA, open military to all

Share

(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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.20.09
The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun
11.19.09
Sarah Palin Deserves Some More Attention
19 comments
VIEWING:
 
Snarfeh
Jun 30, 09 9:02 AM CDT
More blah, blah, blah de blah to pacify us. While I will always support a leftist platform despite it not supporting my community as it should, I will not believe for one nano-second he can or will do shart for us until I see it. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
-7
IN RESPONSE:
MarkFL
Jun 30, 09 9:11 AM CDT
Obama is not a leftist! He is a centrist and this is the root of the problem.
Vote up! Vote down!
-8
IN RESPONSE:
Shannonals
Jun 30, 09 12:52 PM CDT
Your comments are hilarious Corona_king considering the lead voice in the GOP, Dick Cheney, has been voicing his concern for gay rights since March
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
IN RESPONSE:
Doctor_Zaius
Jul 1, 09 12:14 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.
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
polstroad
Jun 30, 09 9:32 AM CDT
To the idiot posting a nasty comment above mine: I am 80 years old. I have served two times in the army. I have been married 26 years and have had 4 children. The military has lost some 15 thousand service people because of the present anti-gay nonsense that is our current policy. Obama could change this with the stroke of a pen! Meantime, don't speak for America, Mr Nasty. Am may not yet want gay marriage but they sure as hell want our servicemen treated with respect and not the way you would treat them. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+1

View all 19 comments »

LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

29 Stories

OPINION

TV's 'Loud and Proud' Gays Should Tone It Down

Outrageous characters may be hurting the cause

Nov 13, 09 10:49 AM CST
(Newser) - There was a time when homosexuality on TV helped the public become more accepting of gays and lesbians, but that time may be over. As the small screen fills with characters like Glee’s Kurt, “the sensitive gay boy who really wants to be a girl,” and a... More »

MORE ABOUT:
entertainment • television • gay rights • gay marriage • lesbians • Don't Ask, Don't Tell • celebrity • homosexuality • Rachel Maddow • Adam Lambert • Glee • same-sex couples • gay



 Calif. Will Honor 
 Harvey Milk 

'Day of significance' commemorates gay rights pioneer

Oct 12, 09 5:53 PM CDT
(Newser) - Reversing his position on a bill he vetoed a year ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed off on bill making May 22 an annual day of recognition in  honor of gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk. The San Francisco supervisor, who was assassinated in 1978, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom... More »

MORE ABOUT:
gay rights • California • gay marriage • Arnold Schwarzenegger • civil rights • states' rights • Harvey Milk • state law

Reporter: Obama Dismissed Gay Marchers as 'Fringe'

White House takes comedians more seriously, Harwood says

Oct 12, 09 9:40 AM CDT
(Newser) - Barack Obama isn’t exactly quaking in his boots over the gay rights protesters that marched on Washington yesterday. The administration views the advocates as “part of the Internet left fringe,” CNBC correspondent John Harwood said on NBC last night. “One adviser told me, ‘those bloggers... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Barack Obama • gay rights • blogosphere • Don't Ask, Don't Tell • White House • civil rights • Human Rights Campaign • Obama administration • left wing • John Harwood

29 Stories


Politics 
TwitterFollow @NewserPolitics on Twitter

 
Barack Obama • gay rights • gay marriage • Don't Ask, Don't Tell • civil rights • Stonewall Rebellion • Matthew Shepard • Defense of Marriage Act • women's issues

from our news partners