Editorial: Obama’s gay marriage declaration showed courage

President Barack Obama addressed the controversial topic of gay marriage on May 9, stating his support of same-sex marriage equality.. While Obama’s public announcement has resulted in much opposition, we at The Olympian feel it was a courageous decision.

Considering that the nation will go to the polls this November, many wonder if Obama’s statement will help or hinder his campaign. As the first U.S. president to say he supports same-sex marriage, Obama could either gain or lose Americans’ votes. Therefore, Olympian staff members not only view this as a risky act, but also a brave one.

Though gay marriage is an especially volatile subject in today’s society, gay rights has always been an issue that stirs contention, producing both advancements and setbacks.

In Greenwich Village, New York, thousands of homosexuals rebelled against police authority in the Stonewall riots of 1969, starting the movement for LGBT rights. Soon after, San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk served as a gay rights activist, as well as the first openly gay politician. In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court (USSC) struck down laws criminalizing homosexuality in the case Lawrence v. Texas.  In 2011, the “don’t ask, don’t tell” omilitary ban on homosexuals, was repealed. Currently, Iowa, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Washington, D.C. allow same-sex marriage.  This year, Maine, Washington and Maryland could join them in allowing gays and lesbians to marry.

On the other hand, the movement has suffered defeats. The Defense of Marriage Act passed in 1996 prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriages, even in states that permit them. Proposition 8, passed in the November 2008 state elections, banned gay marriage in California. More than 30 other states have passed similar laws or constitutional amendments. Many voters remain opposed to equal rights for homosexuals.

Considering the long and mixed history of the movement, we at The Olympian think the president’s support of gays and lesbians in advance of this year’s election is both well-timed and courageous.