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Obama says gay couples deserve same rights as all
NEW YORK – President Barack Obama praised New York state lawmakers who were debating landmark legislation Thursday to legalize gay marriage, saying that's what democracy's all about. But the president stopped short of embracing same-sex marriage himself.
"I believe that gay couples deserve the same legal rights as every other couple in this country," the president said at a fundraiser in Manhattan, his first geared specifically to the gay community. Coincidentally, the long-planned event occurred just as lawmakers in Albany were debating legislation that would make New York the sixth state to legalize gay marriage.
That served to spotlight the president's own views on same-sex marriage, a sore point with gay supporters who've otherwise warmed to him. The president has said his views are "evolving," but for now he supports civil unions, not same-sex marriage.
"Traditionally marriage has been decided by the states and right now I understand there's a little debate going on here in New York," the president said to laughter. He said New York's lawmakers are "doing exactly what democracies are supposed to do."
Debate on the measure continued into the night at the statehouse, and the outcome was uncertain.
As Obama spoke a handful of people shouted out "marriage!" And Obama said, "I heard you guys."
"I believe that gay couples deserve the same legal rights as every other couple in this country," the president said at a fundraiser in Manhattan, his first geared specifically to the gay community. Coincidentally, the long-planned event occurred just as lawmakers in Albany were debating legislation that would make New York the sixth state to legalize gay marriage.
That served to spotlight the president's own views on same-sex marriage, a sore point with gay supporters who've otherwise warmed to him. The president has said his views are "evolving," but for now he supports civil unions, not same-sex marriage.
"Traditionally marriage has been decided by the states and right now I understand there's a little debate going on here in New York," the president said to laughter. He said New York's lawmakers are "doing exactly what democracies are supposed to do."
Debate on the measure continued into the night at the statehouse, and the outcome was uncertain.
As Obama spoke a handful of people shouted out "marriage!" And Obama said, "I heard you guys."
@ adgal...I agree COMPLETELY
It's not a gay disease. And I would bet the amount of gay men not practicing safe sex is about the same as any other couple. However, with man on man sex, there is a higher probability of tearing and I would think that accounts for the increased numbers. To me all it does is make a case for sex education, but still can't sort out how it changes the issue of gay marriage.
Still doesn't make it a "GAY DISEASE" in my opinion...It just sounds to me that there are a lot more Gays that don't practice safe sex...
Well, I looked it up on a gov. website and it seems that gay men still account for about 1/2. I didn't realize it was that high. However, heterosexual's account for about 31% with women accounting for about 27% (I am referring to new infections). I'm still not certain how this imapacts the issue of gay marriage, or how allowing it would change the stats, however I am willing to admit when I am mistaken. Here is the source of my info.
http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/
http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/
HIV a "Gay disease"? Really?? That's news to me!!!
Yep, that is precisely how I see it. I think you are exactly right and have to say, well said.
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Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
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