President Barack Obama changed his tune and officially declared his support for same-sex marriage Wednesday, becoming the first sitting president to do so, according to ABC News.
"I've always been adamant that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally," Obama told ABC’s Robin Roberts in a sit-down interview that will air in its entirety on ABC's Good Morning America Thursday.
See more about Obama’s same-sex marriage views in a video excerpt here.
The President also emphasized that his stance on the issue is personal and he supports states deciding on their own where they stand on same-sex marriage, ABC News reported.
Leaders on both sides of the aisle, the gay community, as well as citizens responded in full force to Obama’s announcement, including at least one local leader.
Congressional representative Judy Chu, running to represent Monrovia and other San Gabriel Valley cities in Congress, voiced support on her facebook page Wednesday:
“I am thrilled to see President Obama speak in favor of marriage equality for all Americans. Marriage is a right that everyone – gay or straight – deserves to enjoy. I’ve spent my career advocating for marriage equality. I am more optimistic now than ever that we can finally put the days of dividing Americans by sexual orientation behind us. If gay men and women are fighting in our military and dying on our behalf, the least we can do is ensure they have equal rights here at home.”
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena, also praised the president.
“Today, President Obama announced that he would support marriage equality for all Americans. The President’s strong statement is something that I am proud to support, and an issue of great significance to the country. Marriage equality extends one of our most basic rights of citizenship to all Americans – that is, the right to marry the person you love.
“It’s my sincere hope that marriage equality will soon become the law of the land, and as the President indicated, we can learn a lot from the changing views of the younger generation.”
"Members of the LGBT community serve in our armed forces, and contribute to the strength of our nation and community in every field of endeavor. They should have the right to marry, and enjoy all the benefits and responsibilities of citizenship without discrimination."
