Stonewall Democrats of Western New York  

For immediate release

SDWNY Statement on President Obama's Support for Marriage Equality

" Today, Stonewall Democrats of Western New York are proud to add our voice to the chorus praising President Obama's historic announcement that he supports Marriage Equality. The first sitting president to support the freedom to marry for all Americans, President Obama has cemented his place in history as a groundbreaking leader for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. Already a tremendous part of the civil rights movement in so many ways, President Obama understands what it means for LGBT Americans to lack the civil rights and protections brought by the segregation of marriage rights-- and has the courage to lead on the issue, and make change. 

We could not be more proud of our President. This is what leadership looks like, this is change. This is the kind of leadership which comforts and changes hearts and minds, and inspires the American people and our representatives to work together to repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, and bring full LGBT Marriage Equality to all fifty states. The President's announcement also boldly sets the presidential election this November. Americans will have a clear choice: will we continue the change and real progress brought by President Obama's leadership, or will we elect Republican nominee Mitt Romney, who is opposed to equal rights and protections for all American families? When President Obama is reelected, SDWNY knows this President will build on his accomplishments for our community such as ending the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and the work his administration has done on issues such as hospital visitation. With President Obama's leadership, and our WNY pro-equality federal delegation of Reps. Brian Higgins, Kathy Hochul and Louise Slaughter and Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, we will see finished what we have started here in New York with full LGBT equality being legislated in Congress for these United States. 

We thank President Obama for his courage, sincerity and dedication in doing what is right, and supporting the civil rights of all American people. "

Bryan Ball

 February 24, 2008

 

 Republican Assmbelymember Jane Corwin, who has begun her campaign in the yet-uncalled special election for NY's 27 Congressional district, released a statement earlier today condemning President Obama for his administration's decision to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act. 

 

 Her statement, which seeks to criticize Pres. Obama for standing up for LGBTQ equality, reads as follows: 

 

"“The President of the United States swore an oath to uphold the laws of our great country and as a member of the Executive Branch he needs to enforce those laws, including the Defense of Marriage Act. It is the Supreme Court’s job to consider the constitutionality of the law and the President should not usurp the authority of the Supreme Court... DOMA "was signed into law nearly 15 years ago by President Clinton – he himself a Democrat like President Obama – who understood that marriage should be defined as a union between one man and one woman," she continued. "While more Americans lose their jobs every day, the Obama Administration is blatantly ignoring the law of the land for a political stunt, and I hope the Administration will reconsider this wrong decision and focus on strengthening the economy and creating jobs, the number one issue the majority of Western New Yorkers care about.”

 If you are one of the many New Yorkers who lives in Assemblymember Corwin's district, or NY-27 we urge you to contact her and let her know that you are a Western New Yorker who cares about civil rights and equality. Corwin has a history of not supporting civil rights, voting against the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and Marriage Equality in the State Assembly.

 Yesterday, the Obama administration courageously made headlines by telling the Justice Department to stop prosecuting cases related to the bigoted DOMA legislation. SDWNY commends Pres. Obama for this development, and recognizes Pres. Clinton, whom Corwin mentions in her statement, for realizing the error of DOMA and supporting civil marriage rights for all Americans.

 

Assemblymember Corwin's Offices: 

District Office:

8180 Main St. 

Clarence, NY 14221

716-839-4691

 

Albany Office: 

LOB 721
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-4601

Campaign Contact: 

http://janecorwin.com/contact

Source: NY Daily News