(CNN) – President Barack Obama rallied a crowd of members in the LGBT community on Friday, telling the group they not only had a "friend" in the Oval Office but a "fellow advocate."
"Together we've stood resolute, unwavering in our commitment to advance this movement and to build a more perfect union," Obama said.
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The president made his remarks in a White House reception to commemorate Gay Pride Month.
In his speech, Obama listed his administration's efforts to advance gay rights, including the signing into law of the Matthew Shepard Act, the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and his recent endorsement of same-sex marriage.
"After decades of inaction and indifference, you have every reason and right to push loudly and forcefully for equality," Obama said. "But three years ago I promised you this, I said that even if it took more time that I would like, we would see progress, we would see success, we would see real and lasting change, and together that's what we're witnessing."
While he applauded the progress within the movement, he said there was still work to be done.
"Americans may be still evolving when it comes marriage equality," he said, nodding to his previous position on same-sex marriage. "But as I've indicated, personally, Michelle and I have made up our minds on this issue."
Also see:
Romney details 'First 100 Days,' says Obama's 'words are cheap'
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Good job Mr. President, expand your base and trounce the wretched, hateful GOP!
Thank you Mr President for your support.
Obama/Biden 2012
Good. People should be allowed to marry whomever they want and have the same rights as so many of those opposite sex marriages. The ones that 50% end in divorce.
►Obama cheers on LGBT movement◄
Also Amnesty for children makes a lot of sense
Go For It President Obama because it just does not matter anymore
Republicans are going to HATE because they want you out the WH doors
In the end – it's not going to happen and the Haters are still going to HATE!!
Obama 2012 – The Only Trusted Way Forward!!
"Stood unwavering"....really?! Really??? What a pile of crap that is! He "evolved" wavering back and forth until it became politically beneficial to make his move! A gamble...yes! This guy is grasping at anything he can to shake up his campaign! Today its immigration policy for kids! These political moves are pitiful and display his desperate attempt to get re-elected. The man has no conviction to principles . All I can say is what a disgusting display of "Flopping"! He doesn't even get the "Flipping" added to the phrase. He truly is a joke but no one is laughing. Disgusting!
How can a christian believe in gay marriage? I totally understand that gays should not be discriminated against that's common sense. But as a christian I'm having a hard time with the marriage thing because the bible explicitly forbids it. Some people will sell their soul for a vote. If that is what it take to win the presidency then God forbid.I wish some one would or could run that is a real man/woman and not bow down to interest group.
God Bless our President Obama for working hard every day to make a better future for us the people who is struggling every day to to support our family, thankyou President Obama we know that you are there for us. We know that Romney only there for his big RICH cronies and don't care a dam about the poor and people who in need, he said it himself so America open your eyes, Romney only want to be President then he will throw you under the bus. President Obama has dig us out of the BIGGEST MESS that the GOP's leaves America, our President has done a great job and he will continue to fix this Mess that you Republicans left. So again President Obama thankyou.
They have a friend and advocate who respects human rights which is Obama's job under the "Constitution", so stop getting it crooked people.