Friday, June 26, 2015

Obama On Marriage Equality: "Our Union Is A Little More Perfect"

President Obama addressed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end state same-sex marriage bans.

White House

President Obama on Friday delivered a powerful speech addressing the Supreme Court's decision to end state bans on same-sex marriage, saying the ruling "reaffirmed that all Americans are entitled to equal protection to the law; that all people are treated equally regardless of who they are or who they love."

"If we are truly created equally, surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well," he said.

Obama said that the ruling was a a victory for the plaintiffs of the Supreme Court case and for the gay and lesbian couples who fought for their civil rights.

"This ruling is a victory for America," he said. "This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts: When all Americans are treated as equal we are all more free."

Obama said that those celebrating today's victory should be "mindful" that others in the country who oppose the decision hold "sincere and deeply held beliefs." He urged people to "recognize different viewpoints; revere our deep commitment to religious freedom."

He added, however, that the decision showed that "real change" and a "shift in hearts and minds" was possible.

"Today, we can say in no uncertain terms our union is a little more perfect. Those countless and anonymous heroes deserve our thanks."