RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – A day after President Barack Obama declared his support for same-sex unions, and Bill Harrison with the Gay Community Center of Richmond is talking about the the presidents support for gay marriage.
“It was a very bold move and a very brave move,” said Harrison.
“Yes it was bold, yes it was brave but it was also the right thing to do,” said Democratic Senator Donald McEachin.
But not everyone is in agreement with the President’s reflection of marriages. Victoria Cobb with the state’s Family Foundation is now concerned.
“This is President Obama pandering to a dwindling base on this issue,” said Cobb.
The candidates for Virginia’s Senate race are also weighing in.
Brandi Hoffine, Virginia Communication Director for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Time Kaine released the following statement:
“Governor Kaine believes in equal treatment under the law and that’s why he campaigned against the 2006 amendment to Virginia’s constitution prohibiting any recognition of same sex relationships. While he does not believe government should tell faith congregations what unions to recognize for religious purposes, he does believe that all committed couples, regardless of sexual orientation, should have the same legal rights and responsibilities.”
Emily Davis, spokeswoman for Republican U.S. Senate candidate George Allen released a statement:
“George Allen believes that marriage should be between one man and one woman.”
Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones is also sounding off about the controversial subject. Reaction from the Mayor’s office reads:
“This is one issue that President Obama and I disagree on. Despite this disagreement however, I applaud the efforts and work of President Obama and his administration and I will do whatever I can to ensure he is re-elected.”
But the issue surrounding gay marriage is not only political, but personal for some.
“I stopped being ashamed of being gay a long time ago,” said Harrison. “I was happy with the President when he made that announcement because he did not have to do this.”
