I like Sen. Obama, and I intend to vote for him in the general election, BUT his support of "civil unions" is nothing short of "separate but equal" mentality. Yes, it's a step in the right direction, but it still emphasizes the fact that our society's caste system is still the status quo.

Posted by: Andrew | May 16, 2008 12:23:11 AM

I have to agree with Andrew...for all of Sen. Obama's support in the GLBT community, his stated position isn't significantly different from Sens. Clinton or McCain.

Posted by: Jason | May 16, 2008 10:50:36 AM

Great News for LGBT community. Clearly, this year we have a choice -- we can vote on other issues (War on Terrorism, Iraq disaster, economy, tax policy, health care, litigation policy etc) b/c the candidates differ little on key LGBT issues - and hold identical positions on gay marriage (our number 1 issue):
NYTIMES (liberal icon):
WASHINGTON — Gay marriage is an issue on which the three major presidential candidates — John McCain, Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton — are pretty much in agreement. All oppose it, while saying at the same time that same-sex couples should generally be entitled to the legal protections afforded married couples. All think the decision should be left to the states.

Posted by: Bruce | May 16, 2008 12:28:44 PM

I would like to know what is Obama's stance on providing same sex couples who are legally married in their states, federal benefits.

It is a cope out to say it should be left up to the states, when our federal government controls so many of the marriage benefits.

Same old rhetoric.

Posted by: Bob | May 16, 2008 3:01:58 PM