"...it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that-- I think same-sex couples should be able to get married."
Historic words.
The second time this man has made significant history - first, by becoming the first black president of the United States, and second by being the first sitting present to support gay marriage. No matter what else he does during this term or any subsequent term, he has left a legacy that anything is possible and that all people are to be treated equal.
But you're not American, so why do you care about the US president? you might ask. Commonly referred to as the Leader of the Free World, the influence of the American president is more far reaching than that of any other world leader. The impact that he has on the world by declaring his stance on issues such as gay marriage will be a lasting one and one that will affect my children and yours, no matter what country we live in. And I for one want my children to grow up in a world where they are not judged or limited by the colour of their skin, or the person they happen to fall in love with. His statement last week is an important step in making sure that happens.
You see, to me, denying homosexuals the right to marry is no different than denying black people the right to sit anywhere on a bus. Both are discrimination no matter how you look at it. This comparison had been going through my mind repeatedly which is why I was so happy to hear Jay-Z say it so well in an interview the other day. How can we claim to live in a free society when not everyone is free to have the same rights as everyone else?
I love my children. I want nothing but for them to love and be loved, no matter what form that takes. President Obama made it a little more likely that that will happen free of prejudice and for that we should all thank him.
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