In an interview with ABC, Obama said: “I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.”
State Senator Scott Dibble: “Marriage has been turned into a political football in recent years, but President Obama’s action today helps focus attention back on what marriage is really all about: love, commitment, and building a life together,” Sen. Dibble said. “These are very basic, fundamental freedoms that the President rightfully recognizes belong to every American and should not be jeopardized. I couldn’t be more proud to have a president willing to stand up for these values.”
“President Obama cited the basic value that we treat our fellow citizens, every human being, as we wish to be treated ourselves. I hope every Minnesotan follows the president’s lead and asks the same question as we approach the marriage vote this November. That is the definition of equality, and no law should promote anything to the contrary.”
State Representative Karen Clark: “Minnesotans and the country are growing weary of divisive, polarized politics undermining the important work to advance opportunity for all, which lawmakers really should be focused on. It’s so uplifting to have a president stand up for uniting people, not dividing them; for promoting equality rather than discrimination; and for supporting love and commitment, two of the most basic, traditional values of this country. President Obama’s actions remind all of us that freedom is for everyone – even the freedom to marry. It’s a bold but basic message that, hopefully, will remind Americans and Minnesotans what this conversation truly is about.”
Former Republican gubernatorial candidate and Minnesotans United Board Member Wheelock Whitney:
“Across this country, people are reaching the conclusion that it is wrong to make it illegal to marry the person you love. As a Republican, and as a man who has a son and a grandson who are gay, this is a positive development in America’s conversation on what marriage means and how the freedom to marry is intrinsic in our nation’s dedication to the values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
“This fall, Minnesotans will have the opportunity to vote on a proposed Constitutional Amendment that would limit the freedom to marry for some couples. For months, we’ve been having a conversation about what marriage means to us, and that conversation is happening in every part of our state. We know limiting that freedom is not in our state’s strong tradition of practicing the golden rule, of rejecting too much intrusion into our personal lives, and of not mixing religion and politics. There is not a bone in my conservative body that tells me that we should limit the freedom to marry for committed, same-sex couples.
“As support for defeating this amendment grows across this state, I am as confident as ever that Minnesotans will defeat this freedom-limiting Amendment in November. President Obama’s announcement today is a welcome development in this ongoing conversation.
Rep. Michele Bachmann:
“The President’s announcement today shows how out of touch he is with the values of American families. The President continues to practice the politics of division and diversion. He’s tried to divide the country over gender, education, class, and now he’s attempting to divide families all as a diversion to his failed economic policies that have affected all Americans.
“Americans know better and support traditional marriage. In every state where marriage has been on the ballot, traditional marriage has prevailed. Even last night, in North Carolina, we saw traditional marriage defended.
“Marriage between one man and one woman is the foundation of our society. For more than 200 years, traditional marriage has been a cornerstone of the United States of America. I will do everything in my power to support and preserve traditional marriage and to protect American families.
“I was proud to introduce the first Constitutional amendment proposal in Minnesota when I served as a Minnesota state senator. I’m pleased that this November Minnesotans will have an opportunity to vote to defend traditional marriage. I will continue to protect traditional marriage, despite our president’s decision to thumb his nose at the traditional institution of marriage.”
Sen. Al Franken:
“I’m proud of what the President did today,” said Sen. Franken. “It marks an important step for loving families across the country. I’ve been married to my wife Franni for 37 years, and it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. That’s why I’ve long believed that people should be able to enter into loving, committed marriages regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. And I’m glad the President agrees.”
DFL Party Chair Ken Martin:
“Yesterday was a very proud day on the road toward equal rights for all Americans. I want to thank President Obama for stepping forward in support of marriage equality and affirming what so many of us believe wholeheartedly: that no one, regardless of sexual identity or orientation, should be denied the right to marry the person they love, and that no American should be denied equal protection under law simply because he or she has a same-sex partner.
“The President’s words of support arrive at a critical moment in the fight for full equality for LGBT Americans, and they will no doubt have a far-reaching impact. Yet our success on marriage equality will continue to be decided on a state-by-state basis at the ballot box. And as … results in North Carolina show, we cannot take anything for granted. There is still a great deal of work ahead to make sure the outcome is different in Minnesota this fall. It is critical for all of us to continue to organize, and to have personal conversations with our friends and neighbors about why marriage equality matters, so that we may one day look back and remember 2012 as the year Minnesota helped to turn the tide on the hateful, discriminatory amendments that threaten to put marriage equality out of reach.
“I believe we can defeat the anti-marriage amendment in Minnesota this year, and in so doing, provide an example for other states to follow. But we can only do this by standing up, making our voices heard and building a strong coalition that includes people of all political persuasions. We must demonstrate that marriage equality is not a progressive or conservative issue, but rather an issue of human dignity, fairness and respect for all Americans. When we accomplish that, we will be well on our way to making history.”