Ted Olson, of American Foundation for Equal Rights, offered the following response in support of Obama’s endorsement of same-sex marriage:
“Today is a proud day for all Americans,” said AFER lead co-counsel Theodore B. Olson. “The bedrock American principles of freedom and human dignity are central to the political and legal convictions of Republicans, Democrats, liberals, and conservatives alike. President Obama’s words remind us that marriage and equality are universal values that unite us all. They remind us that we are all—as a People and a Nation—striving to form a more perfect Union.”
“President Obama’s words today will be celebrated by generations to come,” said AFER Board President Chad Griffin. “For the millions of young gay and lesbian Americans across this nation, their President’s words provide genuine hope that they will be the first generation to grow up with the freedom to fully pursue the American dream. Marriage—the promise of love, companionship, and family—is basic to the pursuit of that dream. Our Constitution’s promise, the promise of liberty, is one that every generation must realize. As President Obama recognized today, the fight to secure marriage equality is the defining element of our generation’s search for greater freedom.”
