San Franciscans Frustrated By Lack Of Obama Gay Marriage Support
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – At a Wednesday speech, President Barack Obama continued to say he favors gay rights, but stopped short of endorsing gay marriage, and this has some local civil rights advocates frustrated by what they call a lack of leadership on the issue.
"This administration, under my direction has consistently said that we cannot discriminate, as a country, on the basis of sexual orientation," said Obama. "Gays and lesbians and transgendered persons are our brothers and our sisters, our children, our cousins, our friends, our coworkers, and they've got to be treated like every other American."
Obama said the decision to legalize gay marriage in New York was a good thing because the people debated views and came to a decision. He added that other states will come to their own conclusions.
KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:
However, San Francisco civil rights attorney Nancy Clarence calls the president's answers word-smithing.
"I think the president is failing to lead on this issue, and I think the tide of public opinion and the legislature is moving ahead of him on this and that's disappointing," said Clarence.
The White House hosts a gay pride reception Wednesday, and among the attendees will be gay African American Berkeley City Councilmember Darryl Moore.
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