I am sharing with you the latest statement of the Catholic bishops regarding divorce in the Philippines. Nothing new, but...
I am a clinical psychologist. I believe in therapy. I believe in seeking causes and addressing the needs of the partners, and "re-programming" if possible, and bringing about reconciliation in a relationship. (If the Coronas and Basas can do it, why can't everybody?)
I have written a full length book on "how-to" enhance, make happier, a same-sex relationship. I believe in making relationships better. I encourage couples to work on their relationship, to get help in counseling, to do all they can, and often help them do so.
I have not researched the "reasons" divorce advocates give for trying to legalize divorce. Seemingly these arguments have been succesful in every country in the world -- except the Philippines.
My own common sense approach is that sometimes people like Senator Escudero and Senator Pimentel (...not the parents. I know them. They were my neighbor, and we were in Mass together every day, and they will be together forever) -- find that their marriage is "irreconcilable" -- and every government in the world recognizes that -- except the Congress of the Republic of the Philippines.
It is the only legislative body among all the 200 plus countries of the world which bases the continuation of the unworkable relationship on the religious arguments alluded to in this Inquirer article. It is called NO NO NO, sex-negative theology. I say it over and over, sex-negative theology does not come from the Bible or from Jesus.
The article reminds us again of the power of the Catholic bishops in this country -- where the Congress makes laws out of fear of the power of the bishops. As a result they deny people of every religion and non-religion a human right that people of every other country can use for their quality of of life.
Church remains firm against divorce—CBCP
Philippine Daily Inquirer
5:57 am | Friday, May 25th, 2012
The Roman Catholic Church remained opposed to divorce, a Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines official declared Thursday as he reminded married couples that marriage was a life-long commitment.
Fr. Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, issued the statement in reaction to Senator Pia Cayetano’s call for renewed deliberations on the pending divorce bill.
“We should protect the sanctity of marriage, as marriage is a life-long commitment. Any marital problem cannot be solved by divorce. What will solve it is finding the root cause of the problem,” Castro told reporters.
Cayetano had said that it was “high time” that discussions on the divorce bill were restarted following public disclosures by two fellow senators, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, that they had ended their marriages.
Castro, however, said there was no need to legislate or enact a law on divorce. He pointed out that the state, under the Constitution, was mandated to protect marriage, which means that the government should “strengthen” the institution.
Castro advised couples undergoing a marital crisis: “Seek perfection in marriage. Do not seek a perfect husband nor wife nor a perfect marriage.” Jerome Aning
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Packo Whacko
The news item from the Inquirer below about Manny Pacquiao's senseless anti-LGBT condemnation speaks for itself. The article is rather lengthy, but only covers a fraction of why Manny is Whacky. (Remember they used to call Michael Jackson, Jacko Whacho? Now we got Packo Whacko.)
First of all, it's just one more example of the in-club moral slavery grip that sex-negative theology strangles good (LGBT) people with -- passed on prejudice and handed down hatred.
And on and on. My question to my former boxing idol is: if God told you to stop boxing because you hurt people (and you did not stop), does God tell you to hurt innocent LGBT people by clobbering them with Bible verses neither you nor your boxing gloves understand?
Pacquiao faces new foes: Gays, lesbians
By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
12:14 am | Thursday, May 17th, 2012
Who knew that Manny Pacquiao’s toughest opponent wasn’t Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Timothy Bradley, but the entire lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender (LGBT) community?
As far as gay-rights advocates are concerned, it’s a knockout.
The consensus on the Net is that the Filipino boxing champion has fallen from grace because of his rant against gay marriage. It has also ignited an online petition for Nike to drop Pacquiao as endorser. An Internet report claimed Pacquiao is now barred from The Grove, a shopping mall in Los Angeles, where the TV show “Extra” is taped, because of his “bigotry.”
In a recent interview in the US newspaper National Conservative Examiner, Pacquiao likened gay marriage to “Sodom and Gomorrah” and quoted a biblical passage that said “gays should be put to death.”
Pacquiao denied saying that in a statement read on the network news in Manila last night. He also said he did not know the text in Leviticus that prescribes death for homosexuality.
But earlier in the day, his website quoted him as standing by what he said.
Gay activists have weighed in and found Pacquiao wanting.
Anna Leah Sarabia, anthropologist and gender and development specialist, told the Inquirer: “He has lost many fans, unfortunately, and gained many critics. He is trying to make up for lack of knowledge on social issues by being self-righteous and quoting the Bible out of context, and parroting the brainless statements of homophobic and misogynist priests and politicians.”
Danton Remoto, chair of the Ladlad LGBT political party, also told the Inquirer: “Like Miriam Quiambao, Pacquiao speaks with the zeal of the newly converted about things he knows nothing about. His reading of Christian teachings is narrow-minded, bigoted and, I am sorry to say, ignorant.”
(Quiambao, a former beauty queen, also got in trouble after posting on Twitter that homosexuality is a “lie from the devil.” She later apologized.)
After expressing his sentiments against same-sex marriage in the Examiner, Pacquiao has been deluged with criticisms in the American media and on social networking sites frequented by his countrymen.
Not a few Filipino fans have pointed out: From national hero, he has become a national heel.
It’s an “embarrassment,” said a netizen on Facebook. “Not our proudest moment,” said another.
Another netizen wrote: “I think philandering husbands who flaunt their mistresses and then spout words from the Bible are the ones who deserve to be put to death.”
Another was more straightforward: “Manny needs to worry about his own marriage first before he meddles into everyone else’s.”
It’s rumored that Pacquiao’s marriage to Jinkee Pacquiao is constantly tested by persistent rumors of his womanizing.
Online petition
The Courage Campaign website described Pacquiao as “homophobic” and launched an online petition for Nike to drop him as endorser.
The online campaign read: “Kids all over the world look up to Pacquiao as a role model. Nike earned a 100-percent rating in the 2012 Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index as a pro-LGBT company. Will they live up to it? Sign our petition and tell Nike: ‘Do not tarnish your brand. Stand with millions of LGBT and fair-minded people the world over. Drop Pacquiao now. Hatred surely does not equal Nike.’”
According to LA Weekly, Rick Jacobs, founder and chair of Courage Campaign, said: “American sponsors are going to have to look very carefully … whether they [will] continue to pour money into his apparently empty soul.”
Sarabia, who’s also the editor of the anthology “Tibok: Heartbeat of the Filipino Lesbian,” remarked: “There is a call from LGBT ranks to Nike and other companies to cancel his endorsement contracts because of what he said. There is basis for the call and it would be good to see how these companies will respond.”
Apart from Nike, Pacquiao has scored lucrative deals with international companies like Hewlett-Packard and Hennessy, too.
Banned at Grove
According to online reports, “Extra” host Mario Lopez announced on Twitter that Pacquiao was set to guest today (May 17) on his show, which is taped at The Grove.
The mall eventually issued this statement, published by LA Weekly on its website: “Based on news reports of statements made by Mr. Pacquiao, we have made it be known that he is not welcome at The Grove and will not be interviewed here now or in the future. The Grove is a gathering place for all Angelenos and not a place for intolerance.”
Pacquiao is in Los Angeles, training for his fight with Bradley to be held on June 9 in Las Vegas.
Village Voice parody
Village Voice ran a parody about 10 gays, both real and fictional, who can “beat up … pipsqueak Pacman.” The list includes American basketball bad boy Dennis Rodman and openly gay celebrities like British rugby player Ian Roberts, American football star Esera Tuaolo, singer Clay Aiken and comedian Rosie O’Donnell.
In the humor piece, Village Voice pointed out: “There’s no question that Pacquiao is a tough little guy. But he’s still a little guy (5-foot-6 and 144 pounds) and killing off gays one-by-one might be a slightly more difficult task than the feisty Filipino might think.”
The website of Advocate, a respected gay publication, carried the story with the headline: “Pacquiao compares marriage equality to Sodom and Gomorrah,” referring to the Old Testament cities that God destroyed because of their people’s immorality.
The Examiner interview mainly focused on Pacquiao’s reactions to US President Barack Obama’s recent support of gay marriage. Pacquiao told the Examiner: “America should be the model of morality for other countries to emulate and must have the responsibility to uphold the Scripture to the highest order of God’s command.”
Leviticus 20:13
Advocate reported that Pacquiao quoted the Bible, specifically Leviticus 20:13.
(Leviticus 20:13 reads: “If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their heads.”)
In another Village Voice story, Pacquiao was put to task for quoting Leviticus 20:13. “Pacquiao apparently missed church the day they explained the Golden Rule.”
Village Voice also noted that the “boxer and congressman … is a devout Roman Catholic who recently talked about giving up boxing to focus on his religion. Considering how badly he seems to interpret the ‘good book,’ maybe that’s not such a bad idea.”
Local celebs’ ire
Pacman, as the boxer is known in the biz, earned the ire of local celebrities as well.
Filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes told the Inquirer: “Instead of a reply, I have two questions: Does the Bible endorse the infliction of violence against your fellow man in the name of sportsmanship and to accrue millions so as to further gain a feeling of righteousness? What is the saying again about a little knowledge? Let me check Leviticus … OMG, it says it’s also a sin to have tattoos.”
Pacquiao is as famous for his tattoos as for his killer punch.
Screenwriter and actor Rody Vera told the Inquirer: “Pacquiao may be the world’s best boxer. The funny and fallacious thing is that he seems to believe this translates to being a great politician, great thinker and great person. He’s only a winner in the boxing ring. How awfully small and confining that space is. It aptly signifies his narrow-mindedness and blind fanaticism.”
Sarabia took note of Pacquiao’s statement: “God only expects man and woman to be together and to be legally married, only if they are in love with each other.”
Sarabia asked rhetorically: “I wonder if Pacman (Pacquiao) understands what he said, if he was quoted correctly. His statement seems to be an endorsement for divorce.”
Below the belt
Comedian Jon Santos, who made news for marrying an American man, was clearly not amused.
Santos told the Inquirer: “Life is too short to be spent unhappy. What happens in the bedroom is too private to be subjected to other people’s judgment. God is too good to prevent people who love each other from staying together.”
But stand-up comic Willie Nepomuceno has a hilarious take on the controversy: “I haven’t paid much attention to him since he became the spokesperson of God. Tsk, tsk. Perhaps he has taken too many blows to the head? But, my goodness, now he’s hitting below the belt.”
First of all, it's just one more example of the in-club moral slavery grip that sex-negative theology strangles good (LGBT) people with -- passed on prejudice and handed down hatred.
And on and on. My question to my former boxing idol is: if God told you to stop boxing because you hurt people (and you did not stop), does God tell you to hurt innocent LGBT people by clobbering them with Bible verses neither you nor your boxing gloves understand?
Pacquiao faces new foes: Gays, lesbians
By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
12:14 am | Thursday, May 17th, 2012
Who knew that Manny Pacquiao’s toughest opponent wasn’t Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Timothy Bradley, but the entire lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender (LGBT) community?
As far as gay-rights advocates are concerned, it’s a knockout.
The consensus on the Net is that the Filipino boxing champion has fallen from grace because of his rant against gay marriage. It has also ignited an online petition for Nike to drop Pacquiao as endorser. An Internet report claimed Pacquiao is now barred from The Grove, a shopping mall in Los Angeles, where the TV show “Extra” is taped, because of his “bigotry.”
In a recent interview in the US newspaper National Conservative Examiner, Pacquiao likened gay marriage to “Sodom and Gomorrah” and quoted a biblical passage that said “gays should be put to death.”
Pacquiao denied saying that in a statement read on the network news in Manila last night. He also said he did not know the text in Leviticus that prescribes death for homosexuality.
But earlier in the day, his website quoted him as standing by what he said.
Gay activists have weighed in and found Pacquiao wanting.
Anna Leah Sarabia, anthropologist and gender and development specialist, told the Inquirer: “He has lost many fans, unfortunately, and gained many critics. He is trying to make up for lack of knowledge on social issues by being self-righteous and quoting the Bible out of context, and parroting the brainless statements of homophobic and misogynist priests and politicians.”
Danton Remoto, chair of the Ladlad LGBT political party, also told the Inquirer: “Like Miriam Quiambao, Pacquiao speaks with the zeal of the newly converted about things he knows nothing about. His reading of Christian teachings is narrow-minded, bigoted and, I am sorry to say, ignorant.”
(Quiambao, a former beauty queen, also got in trouble after posting on Twitter that homosexuality is a “lie from the devil.” She later apologized.)
After expressing his sentiments against same-sex marriage in the Examiner, Pacquiao has been deluged with criticisms in the American media and on social networking sites frequented by his countrymen.
Not a few Filipino fans have pointed out: From national hero, he has become a national heel.
It’s an “embarrassment,” said a netizen on Facebook. “Not our proudest moment,” said another.
Another netizen wrote: “I think philandering husbands who flaunt their mistresses and then spout words from the Bible are the ones who deserve to be put to death.”
Another was more straightforward: “Manny needs to worry about his own marriage first before he meddles into everyone else’s.”
It’s rumored that Pacquiao’s marriage to Jinkee Pacquiao is constantly tested by persistent rumors of his womanizing.
Online petition
The Courage Campaign website described Pacquiao as “homophobic” and launched an online petition for Nike to drop him as endorser.
The online campaign read: “Kids all over the world look up to Pacquiao as a role model. Nike earned a 100-percent rating in the 2012 Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index as a pro-LGBT company. Will they live up to it? Sign our petition and tell Nike: ‘Do not tarnish your brand. Stand with millions of LGBT and fair-minded people the world over. Drop Pacquiao now. Hatred surely does not equal Nike.’”
According to LA Weekly, Rick Jacobs, founder and chair of Courage Campaign, said: “American sponsors are going to have to look very carefully … whether they [will] continue to pour money into his apparently empty soul.”
Sarabia, who’s also the editor of the anthology “Tibok: Heartbeat of the Filipino Lesbian,” remarked: “There is a call from LGBT ranks to Nike and other companies to cancel his endorsement contracts because of what he said. There is basis for the call and it would be good to see how these companies will respond.”
Apart from Nike, Pacquiao has scored lucrative deals with international companies like Hewlett-Packard and Hennessy, too.
Banned at Grove
According to online reports, “Extra” host Mario Lopez announced on Twitter that Pacquiao was set to guest today (May 17) on his show, which is taped at The Grove.
The mall eventually issued this statement, published by LA Weekly on its website: “Based on news reports of statements made by Mr. Pacquiao, we have made it be known that he is not welcome at The Grove and will not be interviewed here now or in the future. The Grove is a gathering place for all Angelenos and not a place for intolerance.”
Pacquiao is in Los Angeles, training for his fight with Bradley to be held on June 9 in Las Vegas.
Village Voice parody
Village Voice ran a parody about 10 gays, both real and fictional, who can “beat up … pipsqueak Pacman.” The list includes American basketball bad boy Dennis Rodman and openly gay celebrities like British rugby player Ian Roberts, American football star Esera Tuaolo, singer Clay Aiken and comedian Rosie O’Donnell.
In the humor piece, Village Voice pointed out: “There’s no question that Pacquiao is a tough little guy. But he’s still a little guy (5-foot-6 and 144 pounds) and killing off gays one-by-one might be a slightly more difficult task than the feisty Filipino might think.”
The website of Advocate, a respected gay publication, carried the story with the headline: “Pacquiao compares marriage equality to Sodom and Gomorrah,” referring to the Old Testament cities that God destroyed because of their people’s immorality.
The Examiner interview mainly focused on Pacquiao’s reactions to US President Barack Obama’s recent support of gay marriage. Pacquiao told the Examiner: “America should be the model of morality for other countries to emulate and must have the responsibility to uphold the Scripture to the highest order of God’s command.”
Leviticus 20:13
Advocate reported that Pacquiao quoted the Bible, specifically Leviticus 20:13.
(Leviticus 20:13 reads: “If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their heads.”)
In another Village Voice story, Pacquiao was put to task for quoting Leviticus 20:13. “Pacquiao apparently missed church the day they explained the Golden Rule.”
Village Voice also noted that the “boxer and congressman … is a devout Roman Catholic who recently talked about giving up boxing to focus on his religion. Considering how badly he seems to interpret the ‘good book,’ maybe that’s not such a bad idea.”
Local celebs’ ire
Pacman, as the boxer is known in the biz, earned the ire of local celebrities as well.
Filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes told the Inquirer: “Instead of a reply, I have two questions: Does the Bible endorse the infliction of violence against your fellow man in the name of sportsmanship and to accrue millions so as to further gain a feeling of righteousness? What is the saying again about a little knowledge? Let me check Leviticus … OMG, it says it’s also a sin to have tattoos.”
Pacquiao is as famous for his tattoos as for his killer punch.
Screenwriter and actor Rody Vera told the Inquirer: “Pacquiao may be the world’s best boxer. The funny and fallacious thing is that he seems to believe this translates to being a great politician, great thinker and great person. He’s only a winner in the boxing ring. How awfully small and confining that space is. It aptly signifies his narrow-mindedness and blind fanaticism.”
Sarabia took note of Pacquiao’s statement: “God only expects man and woman to be together and to be legally married, only if they are in love with each other.”
Sarabia asked rhetorically: “I wonder if Pacman (Pacquiao) understands what he said, if he was quoted correctly. His statement seems to be an endorsement for divorce.”
Below the belt
Comedian Jon Santos, who made news for marrying an American man, was clearly not amused.
Santos told the Inquirer: “Life is too short to be spent unhappy. What happens in the bedroom is too private to be subjected to other people’s judgment. God is too good to prevent people who love each other from staying together.”
But stand-up comic Willie Nepomuceno has a hilarious take on the controversy: “I haven’t paid much attention to him since he became the spokesperson of God. Tsk, tsk. Perhaps he has taken too many blows to the head? But, my goodness, now he’s hitting below the belt.”
Obama backs same-sex marriage
First of all, Barack Obama is not the pope. So his opinion about same-sex marriage won't have any effect on the forever hateful prejudice of the Roman Catholic Church.
But I did like how he "evolved" his endorsement of gay and lesbian (LGBT) marriage. He consulted his wife, who reminded him about the fine American citizens who were gay and lesbian and friends of theirs. He consulted his children. They said they had classmates in school who had same-sex parents and they were fine classmates. He had hoped to kinda side-strep the issue by saying each state should decide for their own state. But immigration and other matters are national matters, and even if all 50 states approve same-sex marrige there are some country-wide issues still not solved. In the long run he announced the decision out of personal integrity.
The list of prominent Americans who take the same stand as their president is a long and impressive list. Six states do have equal marriage. But President Obama's personal opinion does not create or change the national law -- any more than President Aquino's approval of the RH Bill changes the Roman Catholic resistance or passes the law in the Philippines.
Of course, justice and equality under the law makes it clear that all people should have the right to marry the person they love -- in the United States and in the Philippines. One commentator observed that the government should not be in the business of deciding who a person should love and marry. Sadly, the government stance on marriage is controlled by church teachings and church power.
In Catholic Spain where the Catholic bishops do not enjoy the persuasive power they have in the Philippines, the citizens of the country have two rights that Filipino citizens do not have. The right to divorce from a person with whom one is in an impossible marriage, and the right to marry the one a person loves without censorship or "gender test."
But, one more time, in the only country in the world where the church has the power to prevent its citizens of all religions and non religions to divorce, they are not about to allow the citizens the right to marry the person they love.
Following is the coverage on President Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage in the Inquirer's May 11, 2012 issue.
Obama backs same-sex marriage
Agence France-Presse
5:15 am | Thursday, May 10th, 2012
WASHINGTON – Barack Obama became the first US president Wednesday to say publicly he was in favor of same-sex marriage, in a high-stakes intervention in a pre-election debate roiling American politics.
In what supporters will hail as a historic moment in civil rights history, Obama changed his stance, after previously saying he was “evolving” on gay marriage, a fiercely divisive issue in US politics.
“I’ve just concluded, 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,” Obama said in an interview with ABC News.
Obama, who had previously backed strong protections for gay and lesbian couples, said his position had evolved partly after talking to his two daughters Malia and Sasha who had some friends who had same-sex parents.
“It wouldn’t dawn on them that somehow their friends’ parents would be treated differently. It doesn’t make sense to them and frankly, that’s the kind of thing that prompts a change in perspective,” Obama said in the interview.
Obama came under increasing political pressure on gay marriage after Vice President Joe Biden said on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday that he was “absolutely comfortable” with same-sex marriage.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan said this week that he was also in favor of the concept.
Some political analysts have warned that Obama could be entering a political minefield, with some key voting blocs in swing states that he hopes to court in November’s election opposing gay marriage.
On Tuesday, voters in North Carolina, a state Obama narrowly carried in the 2008 election, approved a state constitutional amendment forbidding gay marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships.
The measure was passed by 61 percent to 39 percent after similar state constitutional amendments have been approved in some 30 US states.
The amendment solidifies and expands already enacted North Carolina law forbidding same-sex marriage.
Obama came to the position he elucidated on Wednesday through a long period of reflection and following pressure from his political base, which includes gay and lesbian groups.
In 2004, he said for religious reasons that he believed that “marriage is between a man and a woman,” but added that he favored a “bundle” of civil rights for gays and lesbians.
“What I believe in my faith … a man and a woman when they get married are performing something before God.”
In 2010, Obama said “my feelings are constantly evolving” on gay marriage, and said he was in favor of civil unions for gays and lesbians that have strong civil protections.
In 2011, Obama said he was “still working on it.”
But I did like how he "evolved" his endorsement of gay and lesbian (LGBT) marriage. He consulted his wife, who reminded him about the fine American citizens who were gay and lesbian and friends of theirs. He consulted his children. They said they had classmates in school who had same-sex parents and they were fine classmates. He had hoped to kinda side-strep the issue by saying each state should decide for their own state. But immigration and other matters are national matters, and even if all 50 states approve same-sex marrige there are some country-wide issues still not solved. In the long run he announced the decision out of personal integrity.
The list of prominent Americans who take the same stand as their president is a long and impressive list. Six states do have equal marriage. But President Obama's personal opinion does not create or change the national law -- any more than President Aquino's approval of the RH Bill changes the Roman Catholic resistance or passes the law in the Philippines.
Of course, justice and equality under the law makes it clear that all people should have the right to marry the person they love -- in the United States and in the Philippines. One commentator observed that the government should not be in the business of deciding who a person should love and marry. Sadly, the government stance on marriage is controlled by church teachings and church power.
In Catholic Spain where the Catholic bishops do not enjoy the persuasive power they have in the Philippines, the citizens of the country have two rights that Filipino citizens do not have. The right to divorce from a person with whom one is in an impossible marriage, and the right to marry the one a person loves without censorship or "gender test."
But, one more time, in the only country in the world where the church has the power to prevent its citizens of all religions and non religions to divorce, they are not about to allow the citizens the right to marry the person they love.
Following is the coverage on President Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage in the Inquirer's May 11, 2012 issue.
Obama backs same-sex marriage
Agence France-Presse
5:15 am | Thursday, May 10th, 2012
WASHINGTON – Barack Obama became the first US president Wednesday to say publicly he was in favor of same-sex marriage, in a high-stakes intervention in a pre-election debate roiling American politics.
In what supporters will hail as a historic moment in civil rights history, Obama changed his stance, after previously saying he was “evolving” on gay marriage, a fiercely divisive issue in US politics.
“I’ve just concluded, 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,” Obama said in an interview with ABC News.
Obama, who had previously backed strong protections for gay and lesbian couples, said his position had evolved partly after talking to his two daughters Malia and Sasha who had some friends who had same-sex parents.
“It wouldn’t dawn on them that somehow their friends’ parents would be treated differently. It doesn’t make sense to them and frankly, that’s the kind of thing that prompts a change in perspective,” Obama said in the interview.
Obama came under increasing political pressure on gay marriage after Vice President Joe Biden said on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday that he was “absolutely comfortable” with same-sex marriage.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan said this week that he was also in favor of the concept.
Some political analysts have warned that Obama could be entering a political minefield, with some key voting blocs in swing states that he hopes to court in November’s election opposing gay marriage.
On Tuesday, voters in North Carolina, a state Obama narrowly carried in the 2008 election, approved a state constitutional amendment forbidding gay marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships.
The measure was passed by 61 percent to 39 percent after similar state constitutional amendments have been approved in some 30 US states.
The amendment solidifies and expands already enacted North Carolina law forbidding same-sex marriage.
Obama came to the position he elucidated on Wednesday through a long period of reflection and following pressure from his political base, which includes gay and lesbian groups.
In 2004, he said for religious reasons that he believed that “marriage is between a man and a woman,” but added that he favored a “bundle” of civil rights for gays and lesbians.
“What I believe in my faith … a man and a woman when they get married are performing something before God.”
In 2010, Obama said “my feelings are constantly evolving” on gay marriage, and said he was in favor of civil unions for gays and lesbians that have strong civil protections.
In 2011, Obama said he was “still working on it.”
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