Is Our New President Gay Friendly?

Yes! According to an Advocate article from the Sept. 9, 2008 issue, Barack Obama might be even more gay-friendly than he admits in public. I can not find a link to this article online, but stop by the LGBTQ Center if you would like to read about Obama's record on gay rights issues, details about the campaign promises he has made, and even personal testimonies from openly gay people Obama has worked closely with.

Check out a clip from Obama's HRC and Logo sponsored LGBT issue debate back during the primary season, to see Obama's "official" stance on gay marriage. While he's not quite for gay marriage, he's not quite against it either. He believes that same-sex couples should be granted all the civil rights that married couples are granted, but that it should be up to the states whether or not to call that marriage.

Aside from the gay marriage issue, Obama seems to be in favor of other gay rights accross the board. He has promised us a full repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, a reversal of "don't ask, don't tell," immigration rights for same-sex couples, a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and the passage of the Matthew Shepard Act, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity to federal hate-crimes laws (The Advocate, 2008). Only time will tell if he follows through with these promises, but it is looking hopeful as he continues to mention LGBT issues in many of his speeches - including (briefly) last night during his acceptance speech.

Not to be a downer, but the bad news from last night's election can be seen in the gay-related ballot measures in certain states. Here is the latest on these measures according to CNN.

Arkansas Initiative 1: (Ban on Gay Couples Adopting Children)

Passed - 57% yes, 43% no

Arizona Proposition 102: (Ban on Gay Marriage)

Passed - 56% yes, 44% no

Florida Amendment 2: (Ban on Gay Marriage)

Passed - 62% yes, 38% no

and the big one...

California Proposition 8: (Ban on Gay Marriage)

As of now, there are 95% of precincts reporting results,and CNN claims it is too close to officially call. However, the breakdown is 52% yes to 48% no - which does not look promising. This will be the first time in our history that a right that currently exists could be taken away from people.

Click here to see what MSNBC's Rachel Maddow had to say about this last night.