❝ 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. ❞
President Barack Obama confirming he is in favor of same-sex marriage
Fourteen years in prison if convicted of Homosexuality

The Nigerian senate has passed a bill banning same-sex marriages, defying a threat from Britain to withhold aid from nations violating gay rights.

The bill by Africa’s most populous nation calls for a 14-year sentence for anyone convicted of homosexuality. Anyone who aids or “abets” same-sex unions faces 10 years in prison, a provision that could target rights groups.

Last week, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, known for his anti-gay rhetoric, called the prime minister “satanic” for demanding gay rights.

“Do not get tempted into that (homosexuality) madness. You are young people. If you go that direction, we will punish you severely,” state media quoted him as saying. “It is condemned by nature. It is condemned by insects and that is why I have said they are worse than pigs and dogs.”


Getup- End Marriage Discrimination

One of the best videos I’ve ever seen.  Please watch!


Zach Wahls Speaks About Family (x)

President Obama

You were the first President I ever voted for.  I was twenty years old and got up early to vote before my Animal Behavior class at 8:30am.  For the last three years, I approved of the decisions you were making as President until now.  

I was born twenty-three years ago to my parents, who have now been married twenty-six years.  I have a little sister, who was born with a learning disability and now is a 4.0 student at Central Michigan University.  My parents worked hard, paid for college with student loans, and now we are a successful, thriving family.  I went to church.  I went to a Catholic College Preparatory for High School where I graduated with high honors. I worked part-time jobs since I was fifteen years old.  I went to Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology with specializations in Animal Behavior and Neurobiology.  And now, I’m getting my doctorate.  I am successful when so many other individuals my age are not.  The sad thing is that I work so hard to achieve my American dream yet I’m not even considered a first-class citizen in the country that I was born and raised in.

I am gay.  My parents accept that.  My friends and little sister accept that.  I’m in a serious relationship, with a wedding date picked and the children’s name decided.  And yet the country that prides itself on fairness and equality has made me ashamed to be who I am.  I am as equal as anyone else in this country.  I am smart and successful. I am in a healthy, committed relationship that prides itself on trust, respect, and love.  But legally, I can’t marry the mother of my children, the love of my life, and my better half.

You may say that I should accept the freedoms that I have in the United States.  That I may be an ignorant, rich white girl.  But right now, I’m living outside of the United States, in a country where homosexuality is illegal.  I understand that the United States has provided me with some protection under the law, “civil unions”, insurance benefits, rights to see my wife in the hospital as a family member, and the right to serve in your army.  However, I’m just asking to give me the equal right to marry who I chose, to raise three beautiful, blonde haired children, in which ever state I want.  

I am working hard to be someone that people are proud of.  I am working hard to be successful so I can help and assist people in your country.  I’m just asking that I get the respect that I’ve given this country in return.  My family, future children, and wife depend on that.

Thank you.

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