He also says that he supports affirmative action for gays and lesbians. In , a copy of his typed responses was unearthed and printed in the Windy City Times. Later, Obama aides will dispute that he actually filled out the questionnaire himself. Seeking reelection in Illinois, Obama fills out another questionnaire for Outlines , which the Windy City Times published in The Defense of Marriage Act, signed by Bill Clinton, allows states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages legally established in other states.
It previously prevented the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages, until the Supreme Court ruled that provision unconstitutional in My denomination, United Church of Christ, does. Other denominations may make a different decision.
He also says, repeatedly, that he is against gay marriage. Now, for me as a Christian — for me — for me as a Christian, it is also a sacred union. The hate crime law, which Congress had first introduced in , gives the Justice Department jurisdiction over crimes of violence in which a perpetrator has selected a victim because of sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as many other characteristics.
And I think that it is an issue that I wrestle with and think about because I have a whole host of friends who are in gay partnerships. I have staff members who are in committed, monogamous relationships, who are raising children, who are wonderful parents.
Open service for transgender troops remains verboten. After Vice President Joe Biden announces his support for same-sex marriage, Obama is forced to move up a planned announcement of his change in position. The order applies to a group of workers that, at around 28 million, accounts for about one-fifth of the American workforce. The federal government, as well as the majority of states, do not have blanket prohibitions on LGBT discrimination.
