Just weeks after the Obama administration announced it would no longer legally defend the Defense of Marriage act, some of the president’s biggest Hollywood supporters have signed a letter urging him to go a step further and legalize same-sex marriage.
Anne Hathaway, Martin Sheen, Jane Lynch and Ellen DeGeneres are among the actors who have signed an open letter sponsored by Freedom to Marry, a New York-based advocacy group working to promote marriage rights for same-sex couples.
Citing Obama’s decision on DOMA last month, the letter calls for Obama to exhibit similar leadership on same-sex marriage rights.
“Whether to end discrimination in marriage is a question America has faced before, and faces again today… It is a question that calls for clarity from the president,” the letter reads. “We ask you to complete your journey and join us, and the majority of Americans, who support the freedom to marry.”
The letter was also signed by NFL linebackers Scott Fujita of the Cleveland Browns and Brenden Ayanbadejo of the Baltimore Ravens; entertainment moguls David Geffen and Bob Wright; former NAACP chairman Julian Bond; and Facebook co-founders Chris Hughes and Sean Parker. Hughes, who is openly gay, previously worked for Obama’s campaign in 2008, heading up its enormously successful new-media efforts.
The letter comes as Obama prepares to launch his 2012 re-election campaign, in which he will no doubt count on entertainment types as an important source of financial and public support. But the president’s relationship with Hollywood has noticeably cooled since 2008, as celebrities have openly expressed their discontent with Obama in part because of his position on same-sex marriage.
Just last month, Matt Damon railed on Obama in an interview with CNN, bluntly saying he has not done a good job as president. Meanwhile, Lynch, the openly gay star of “Glee,” called Obama a “huge disappointment” for his handling of gay rights.
Obama has long said that he supports civil unions as an alternative to marriage for gays and lesbians—putting him to the right of former Vice President Dick Cheney, who has endorsed same-sex marriage. But in December, Obama admitted his views on gay marriage are “evolving” and said he would continue “to wrestle” with the issue.
Last month, the Justice Department dropped its attempts to defend the constitutionality of DOMA in court—with Attorney General Eric Holder saying in a statement that Obama had personally concluded the law was “unconstitutional.” Many gay rights supporters view that position as an opening—though it’s unclear how far Obama will be willing to go ahead of what could be a tough re-election campaign.
Source. Photo of Hathaway: Ethan Miller/Getty Image.
What do you think Harlem, should the president go all out to support the bill?
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Wow!! What a job being the leader of the US…
I wonder how Mr.Obama really feels deep down inside. I mean realistically speaking will he be MADE to lie against his own true belief or will he choose what will make him return to the white house as our leader again???? Mr.Obama life is way too funny and hard. I myself am blessed to have friends from all walks of life. I cant and dont judge anyone for whom they choose to give their heart to. When will the world realize that shooting Obama down for what he will or wont agree to dealing with ones own personal lifestyle has nothing to do with needing jobs, education/better teachers=parents who aid in their childrens education=giving parents back their parental rights to RAISE their own children, gas prices, affordable housing/capping the rent issues in NY(NOT FAIR AT ALL), HUNGRY/ABUSED WOMEN AND CHILDREN…where is the proper manpower to aid and assist in these situations…overworked socail workers, lead to abused and often times dead children, mandatory aid/support for those who fight to keep this country safe. I could go on and on yet we burden ourselves with thinking we have the right to order people or their hearts around. I love whomever I please! I think Ellen DeGeneres is awesome, I love her show and how she cares about the NORMAL people. I dont care who she married. I only hope she is what she shows to America. America and Obama…when I think about this land of the “free” I sometimes want to cry America a place that has so much and gives so little to what really matters. Have we become so commercial that we cant see the forest for the trees???? Obama if I were to have a nice steaming cup of JOE with you I would tell you to do the right thing. I would tell you to sit still and carefully listen to your spirit. I would tell you to look at those two beautiful children and all of Americas beautiful children. I would tell you to have your limo driver take you for a long ride in areas you dont frequent on a daily basis, stop by the socail service depts/unemployment depts…endless lines…not an empty seat. Then I would ask you to call a town hall meeting in various cities and states, give ear to people of every lifestyle no matter the lifestyle status/color. Because some how someone took all the important “stuff” and shoved it deep in the “I will tend to that later” drawer and never returned. Thats whats happening to America. People are tired. People are hungry for a fair piece of life. Obama I know your plate is full and yes I know you are stressed but when they come at you…offer them your seat. Then they shall see.
HW…I love you online but you also need to be in mailboxes and news stands!!! Keep on delivering!!!
Sundra
Dreams
Dreams do come true they really do. Where do we begin and where will we end?
If I were a mere drop of rain I would hope to fall upon a brightly colored flower disperse myself across the beauty of its color.
If I were a cloud I would travel with the sun at my side I would only want to be a decoration bright a ever !!
If I were a star my sparkle would be as the sparkle that I see in his eyes every time he looks at me…
If I were the words…that escape my thoughts I would paint the ghettos and less fortunate areas with beautiful words that would leave no room for poverty.
If I were not a dreamer…
If I were not a hopeful person…
If I didn’t have love…
If I didn’t give love…
Dreams wouldn’t exist. For you see we all are dreamers because our dreams keep our Hope and Faith alive!
Keep dreaming…
Saun”Poet”
Sundra,
Love your poem, can we post it? If yes, do you have an image that echoes the words?
Thx,
HW
“mailboxes” and “news stands” working on it.
Thanks,
HW
HW, Yes of course you may post it. I have responded to your email sent to my personal email address. I also sent a picture that compliments the poem.
Enjoy!
Great, didn’t see it but we’ll look for it.
HW
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