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Obama Seeks to Mend Ties With Gays
Gives speech tonight, ahead of protest march tomorrow
By John Johnson
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Posted Oct 10, 09 11:10 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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President Obama's tense relations with the gay community reach critical mass this weekend. Obama will outline his administration's goals on gay rights tonight in a speech to the nation's largest gay advocacy group. It comes ahead of a major demonstration tomorrow in Washington by activists who think he's reneged on promises made during the campaign.
"He's offering us crumbs instead of substantial civil rights," one organizer of tomorrow's march tells the Los Angeles Times. Two of the biggest issues: He hasn't suspended don't-ask-don't-tell or made progress in repealing the Defense of Marriage Act. Obama is expected to address those concerns and others in his speech to the Human Rights Campaign.