Statement from Senator Coons on President Obama's Support for Marriage Equality

Statement

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary, cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, and a strong advocate for civil rights, released the following statement about President Obama's remarks in support of full marriage equality today:

"This is an important moment on the journey to equality: the first time a sitting president has endorsed the idea that every American, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should be able to marry the person they love. Period. For some, the question of marriage equality is difficult to answer. I respect that everyone comes to a position in their own way and in their own time.

"President Obama is doing the right thing. By coming out for marriage equality today, he is sending a clear message: LGBT rights are human rights, and the right to marry the person you love is intrinsic to what it means to be an American.

"President Obama may be taking a huge political risk, but some risks are worth taking. That's what leaders do."

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