LOGO, the LGBT cable network, and the Human Rights Campaign is hosting a Presidential Forum with leading Democratic candidates tonight. Candidates will appear in the order in which they replied to the invitation.The conversation is being moderated by Margaret Carlson. The panelists are Jonathan Capehart (Washington Post), Melissa Etheridge (Artist) and Joe Solomonese (Human Rights Campaign).
The first question was asked by Joe Solomonese: "What place does the church have in government sanctioned civil marriages?"
Obama: "The government has to treat all citizens equally" ... "I don't think that the church should be making these determinations when it comes to legal rights confirmed by the state. I do think that individual denominations have the right to make their own decisions as to whether they recognize same-sex couples. My denomination, United Church of Christ, does. Other denominations may make a different decision. Obviously part of keeping a separation of churches and state is making sure that churches have the right to exercise their freedom of religion. But when it comes to federal rights, the over 1100 rights that right now are not being given to same-sex couples I think is unacceptable, and as president of the United States I'm going to fight hard to make sure those rights are available."
Solomonese: "But on the grounds of civil marriage, can you see to our community where that comes across as sounding like separate but equal?"
Obama then talked about how when his parents got married in 1961, their marriage would not have been recognized in a number of states. He thinks, however, that there are other "laws" more important than whether or not same-sex couples can be legally married.
The moderator then interjected that it seems as though Obama is letting religion have the word "marriage" -- saying that "you got to get married, and I got to be married, but Joe doesn't get to be married, and that really does mean that it's a lesser thing."
Obama replied that as he proposed it, it wouldn't be a lesser thing from his perspective. He would insure that those rights were available to people.
Melissa Etheridge is asking Obama how he will bring together a "very divided" America.
Obama replied: "One of the reasons LGBT issues are important to me is because I got into politics in part because I don't like people looking down on other people ... the calls that all of you are involved is what prompted me to get into politics, but part of what prompts me is also this hopefulness. This belief that there is a core decency to most people, and certainly most Americans, and our founding documents have a set of universal truths that are important ... the key question for the next president is can we tap back into that core decency. Can we appeal to what Lincoln called the better angles of our nature."
Jonathan Capehart asks how Obama will deal with homophobia within the Black community. Obama's response is basically to say that he has started addressing it, questioning African Americans to ask if same-sex marriage has any impact on their ability to get a job, and education, etc. He will work to help African Americans see the issue for what it is -- a diversion from real problems.
Obama closed by saying that he includes a discussion of LGBT issues in all his stump speeches, because he understands the importance.
John Edwards is coming out next.
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