NAACP backs same-sex marriage
(CNN) - The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on Saturday announced its backing of same-sex marriage, more than a week after President Barack Obama also expressed support for the issue.
"The mission of the NAACP has always been to ensure political, social and economic equality of all people," Roslyn M. Brock, chairman of the NAACP's board of directors, said in a statement.
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She added: "We have and will oppose efforts to codify discrimination into law."
Following Obama's announcement last week, speculation swirled over whether his decision would spark political backlash among some in the black evangelical community, which has traditionally been against same-sex marriage.
Meanwhile, some prominent African-American religious leaders, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Joseph Lowery, praised Obama's support for same-sex marriage last week.
The NAACP in the recent past has stood in favor of gay rights issues, notably opposing Proposition 8 in California, the Defense of Marriage Act, and North Carolina's constitutional amendment that bans marriage and domestic partnerships for same-sex couples.
"Civil marriage is a civil right and a matter of civil law. The NAACP's support for marriage equality is deeply rooted in the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and equal protection of all people," said the group's president, Benjamin Todd Jealous.
- CNN's Martina Stewart contributed to this report.
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they are not backing gay marriage, they are backing the black president. you never heard anything from them about this until obama just so happen to just start backing gay marriage, NAACP can't think for themselves.
Yeah...I'm sure it has nothing to do with the election and trying to keep blacks from abandoning Obama for his stance.
Gosh, I wonder if this endorsement was politically motivated?! I'm all for gay marriage, but the timing of this seems a little fishy to me.
I hope they will ssupport my desire to marry my three wonderful girlfriends. We am tired of being treated like criminals because we all want to get marrieed.
Blind leading the Blind...
Blacks are not involved in the witch hunt the way whites are..We realize there has to be equality for its just that simple
Hard to imagine this organization as anything but an Obama cheerleader
If Obama had endorsed incestuous and/or zoophilia marriage, the NAACP would have agreed. I recall a time when the majority of the people in Alabama supported any and everything George Wallace said or did. Those people were labeled racist; mainly because they could not transcend race and culture; truth be damned. No matter how trey tried, they simply could not make themselves disagree with someone who resembled them.
And the clueless follow their messiah.
I am so happy to hear this good news!
Sure they come out after Obama. Nothing but hypocrites following based on race. When does it end.
Comrade Grady and Comrade Bubba must be keeping the lid on comments for this article.
It will be interesting to see if the African American communities are going to be united over this sellout.
You mean the NAACP is backing Obama at all cost.
I'll wager 99% of those Black Southern Baptist Peachers won't support this move. They may keep their mouths shut, but wait until the first gay couple show up and want a wedding.
Thank you NAACP for doing the right thing. I didn't vote for President Obama first time around, but I will vote for him for his second term.
I'm an African-American and the NAACP DOES NOT speak nor represent me. They speak for themselves. Contrary to popular belief, they don't represent or speak for ALL of Black AMerica.
I need to leave this country ASAP
I support gay marriage. Allowing this will finally overcome the discrimination felt by my Mormon brothers. We will finally be able to have our multiple wives. If marriage is no longer defined as one man and one woman, our righteousness will be seen.
I wish the NAACP would push for self respect and work ethic for its members
Thank you NAACP for taking a stand for equal rights. Again.
OF COURSE THEY DO. They would never turn against their precious "black" president. The NAACP is not even necessary any more, not to mention they are the biggest bunch of racists out of them all.
Proof that Obama is the Chosen one, if he says something...who cares if the bible says something different. I guess Obama means more to some than the Bible.
Congratulations to the NAACP for being on the right side of history. This is a proud day for a fine organization dedicated to human rights for everyone.
and the racist comments follow in 3..2..1....
It should be noted that the NAACP, while representing the heart of African Americans in many ways, does not reflect the overall opinion of Black Americans on this issue. Most American Blacks not only are against gay "marriages," but resent their own struggle for civil rights being compared to anything in the gay rights movement.