“President Obama’s words today will be celebrated by generations to come. . . . For the millions of young gay and lesbian Americans across this nation, President Obama’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.”
Chad Griffin, the incoming president of the Human Rights Campaign, a gay advocacy group
“No American president has ever supported a major expansion of civil rights that has not ultimately been adopted by the American people, and I have no doubt that this will be no exception.”
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York
