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| ‘Senator Biden and I have long committed ourselves to supporting
fundamental civil rights for all,’ Barack Obama this week told the
Blade. (Photo by Ron Edmonds/AP) |
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HOME > ELECTION '08 > TOP STORY
By: WILLIAM R. KAPFER COMMENTS
 
continued...
and realistically expect to pass in 2009 with
regard to the issues listed above?
Obama: A large part of what I can do for LGBT Americans
depends on what actions Congress takes. That is why we need greater
Democratic majorities in both chambers. I can say that if elected, I
will work with the leaders in Congress to enact legislation that will
better protect the rights of LGBT Americans. I know ENDA has been
stalled in Congress for many years, and I will work to pass a fully
inclusive version of it as President.
Blade: You have called for the full repeal of DOMA. If
elected president, will you introduce legislation calling for its
repeal during your first year in office?
Obama: I have long been on record opposing DOMA, and an
Obama-Biden administration will work hard to ensure that we can pass a
repeal of that law as soon as possible.
Blade: Do you think repeal of all of DOMA would, in
fact, prompt Congress to strongly consider and possibly pass a
constitutional ban on gay marriage?
Obama: Again, I think this issue ties in to who
controls Congress. And a Democratic Congress that enacts a repeal of
DOMA would not be likely to pass a Constitutional ban on gay marriage —
partly because our party rejects enshrining discrimination and divisive
distinctions among citizens into our founding documents.
Blade: If DOMA is repealed fully or in part, the federal
government most likely still could not recognize civil unions or
domestic partnerships performed by states. Would you ask Congress to
pass federal enabling legislation that would require the federal
government to recognize civil unions and/or domestic partnerships
performed by states so that same-sex couples joined in civil unions or
domestic partnerships could obtain the same federal rights and benefits
of marriage that you have called for?
Obama: I support the notion that all people — gay or
straight — deserve the same rights and responsibilities to assist their
loved ones in times of emergency, deserve equal health insurance and
other employment benefits currently extended to heterosexual married
couples,
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