Obama: “I’m a ‘Fierce Advocate’ for Gay and Lesbians" (2009)

[struggle4progress]

19. October 2009

Obama to gay group: 'Still laws to change, hearts to open'
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama delivered a rousing speech Saturday night to the nation's largest gay rights group, praising the gay community for making strides in equal rights and pledging to deliver on major campaign promises that some say he's left on the back burner. "This fight continues now and I'm here with the simple message: I'm here with you in that fight," Obama told the applauding crowd. The Human Rights Campaign issued a statement praising the speech, saying it was a "historic night when we felt the full embrace and commitment of the president of the United States. It's simply unprecedented." Obama called for the repeal of the ban on gays in the military -- the "don't ask, don't tell" policy ...