Obama takes a stand for gay marriage

President Barack Obama made an unprecedented move by announcing his support for same sex couples to marry. Previously, the

president had opposed the idea of same sex marriages and only supported civil unions. However, with much thought and consideration he now supports same sex marriages. However, his support does not mandate that each state must follow his lead. Hopefully, Obama’s bold stance will garner bi-partisan support and increase tolerance for same sex couples and their families. For now, it remains unclear as to how his announcement will impact his efforts for reelection.

Shortly after Obama stated his support for same sex marriage, Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, reaffirmed his opposition to marriage or civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. He believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman. However, if you believe that all men [women] are created equal and are entitled to the same inalienable rights than you understand why the president’s opinion has evolved in support of same sex couples being allowed to marry.

The idea that the president supports same sex marriage will not set well with most Blacks. According to most research, Blacks are more likely to oppose same sex marriages and civil unions of gay couples. Marriage is a custom that is deeply rooted in most of our cultural and religious doctrines. Therefore, most of what we believe about marriage has been passed on to us through our ancestors and our religion. For that reason we are often unwilling to reassess what we believe to be the truth. Still, there must come a time in our lives when we begin to question and even challenge some of our traditional beliefs and customs. President Obama was willing to reevaluate his belief on same sex marriage and subsequently evolved on the issue. We too must be willing to re-examine our beliefs about others.

If you believe that we all, regardless of gender, race, creed or religion, are created equal and are entitled to the same unalienable rights, than you must allow for the president to have his own opinion. And you must vote to give him four more years to represent the needs and views of those who are often relegated to the margins of society.

Queen Brown is a freelance writer, a motivational speaker and a trained crime victim’s advocate.