Community Corner

Local Reaction to Obama's Gay Marriage Support

Long Beach has two current council members who are openly gay, and one weighs in here. What do you think of Obama's position?

President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that he now supports same-sex marriage, according to an Associated Press report.

Obama said he felt it was important for him to affirm that same-sex couples have the right to marry, adding he came to this decision over the last several years after talking with friends and family.

Two current Long Beach City Council members are gay, Gerrie Schipske and Robert Garcia. The latter released the following statement on President Obama's support of gay marriage.

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"Today is a great day for America, and a great day for Long Beach. Our city has been on the front lines of equality and civil rights, and I am so proud of our community leaders and activists who have fought so hard for marriage equality.  History will judge President Obama well."

Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster also expressed his approval in a statement Wednesday: "President Obama took a tough stand today and did the right thing by openly supporting marriage equality.  Way to go, Mr. President." 

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Read more about Obama's announcement from The Associated Press.

What do you think of Obama's statements about same-sex marriage?


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