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Friend --

Today, I was asked a direct question and gave a direct answer:

I believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.

I hope you'll take a moment to watch the conversation, consider
it, and weigh in yourself on behalf of marriage equality:

http://my.barackobama.com/Marriage1

I've always believed that gay and lesbian Americans should be
treated fairly and equally. I was reluctant to use the term marriage
because of the very powerful traditions it evokes. And I thought civil
union laws that conferred legal rights upon gay and lesbian couples
were a solution.

But over the course of several years I've talked to friends and family
about this. I've thought about members of my staff in long-term,
committed, same-sex relationships who are raising kids together.
Through our efforts to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, I've
gotten to know some of the gay and lesbian troops who are
serving our country with honor and distinction.

What I've come to realize is that for loving, same-sex couples, the
denial of marriage equality means that, in their eyes and the eyes
of their children, they are still considered less than full citizens.

Even at my own dinner table, when I look at Sasha and Malia, who
have friends whose parents are same-sex couples, I know it wouldn't
dawn on them that their friends' parents should be treated differently.

So I decided it was time to affirm my personal belief that same-sex
couples should be allowed to marry.

I respect the beliefs of others, and the right of religious institutions to
act in accordance with their own doctrines. But I believe that in the eyes
of the law, all Americans should be treated equally. And where states
enact same-sex marriage, no federal act should invalidate them.

If you agree, you can stand up with me here:

http://my.barackobama.com/Marriage1

Thank you,

Barack


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