Happy inauguration, Mr. President
Gay rights leaders in their own words
From Washington Blade staff reports | Jan 15, 12:51 PM
Compiled by Rebecca Armendariz
http://www.washingtonblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=23490The Blade asked prominent figures in the gay rights movement to compose welcome messages to President-elect Barack Obama as he takes office. Some of the responses are shown below.
"Gay people helped bring you to the presidency and rejoice at the historic change and national fulfillment your taking office marks. Amid the many pressing challenges confronting the country and you is the need to undo the second-class citizenship that gay Americans have long endured and continue to be subjected to by their own federal and state governments. Ending gay couples' exclusion from marriage is not a simple matter of policy options; it is a burning question of civil rights and holding America to its promise. While there is much you need to tackle with urgency, the cause of equal rights for all must always hold a preeminent claim on any president."
— Evan Wolfson, Freedom to Marry
"Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans salute you. We admire your Herculean achievements and vision for our nation. We are heartened to have a president-elect who publicly states that he is 'a fierce advocate for equality of gay and lesbian Americans.' I had the great honor to introduce you at a LGBT event during the general election. You stated that you expected prompt passage of hate crimes and ENDA, repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' during your administration and reaffirmed your support for equal benefits for same-sex couples. It is our dream that you will help fulfill our long awaited aspirations for the American promise of liberty, pursuit of happiness and equality."
— Malcolm Lazin, Equality Forum
