REFUELED
Though President Barack Obama's public support of gay-marriage may have been part publicity stunt, the reminder of urgency is a good thing
Between President Barack Obama’s public announcements in support of same-sex marriage – just a day after North Carolina voters approved an amendment to the state constitution against the same policy – the spark of debate has been relit for both sides. While many gay marriage supporters have regained some energy in their fight, many of those who oppose gay-marriage are using the announcement as political fuel against the president, saying the gesture was not one of real belief but a gimmick for getting votes in the upcoming presidential election in November.
Obama’s public support has also started a sort of catalyst throughout the states, like Gov. Pat Quinn of Illinois, who said he “stands with the president” and intends to work with state legislators to legalize same-sex marriage in his state without waiting for the courts to act. Or in Rhode Island, where Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed an order proclaiming the state will recognize same-sex marriages performed outside of Rhode Island, which currently only allows civil unions.
However, some politicians who oppose the bill aren’t handling Obama’s announcement quite as well – in fact, some actions taken following his support seem borderline immature. Take Sen. Clark Jolley (R-Oklahoma), for example, who introduced a resolution reaffirming opposition to gay marriage, despite a pre-existing ban in the state constitution, openly admitting that he introduced the resolution in direct response to Obama’s show of support. His gesture seems so counter-productive in contrast to those in support of gay marriage, who are using Obama’s announcement as a way to reestablish the growing permanence of an issue that needs at least some middle ground.
Though Obama may have, in part, spoken up as a publicity stunt, there is no denying that Obama’s show of support was a good thing – a positive move toward equality in a direction the nation’s youth is gradually moving toward anyway. The resurgence and reenergizer of a movement, and a testament to the absoluteness of an important conversation that is not likely to disappear any time soon.
In an article published by the Associated Press, Bob Emrich, chairmain of Protect Marriage Main told AP that Obama’s words made referendum opponents realize they had their work cut out for them.
“It deepened people’s awareness that this is a major issue that isn’t going away and we need to have more people involved in it,” Emrich said.
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013


Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon

GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.

GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.

GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.

Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement


Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.

Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.

GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".

GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".

GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season

Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.

GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.

GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.

GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library

Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.

GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom

GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.

Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.

Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.

GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.

GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.

GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.

GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.

GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.

GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.

GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.

GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.

GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.

GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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