Ahead of his up-coming Australian visit, United States President Barack Obama has condemned North Carolina’s legislature for introducing a ban on same-sex marriage, one that closely resembles the Howard Government’s 2004 Marriage Act amendment banning same-sex marriages.

Following the the North Carolina decision, the White House issued a statement saying:

“‎The President believes strongly in stopping laws designed to take rights away.”

The White House statement went on to say, “The President has long believed that gay and lesbian couples deserve the same rights and legal protections as straight couples” and referenced President Obama’s opposition to the US Defense of Marriage Act or “DOMA” which prohibits federal recognition of state same-sex marriages. (Further reporting here)

Alex Greenwich, National Convener of Australian Marriage Equality, said:

“Clearly, President Obama is on a journey towards acceptance of marriage equality, and it’s my hope he will share this journey with Prime Minister Gillard when they meet later this year”.

The Obama statement comes at the same time as former US Republican Party Vice President, Dick Cheney, has confirmed his support for marriage equality, telling the popular US Chat Show The View, “I think freedom means freedom for everybody” (full clip can be viewed here)

Meanwhile, a new Associated Press poll released today shows a steady and growing majority of 54% Americans support marriage equality. (Poll details here)

Mr Greenwich welcomed the poll and added,

“We know more Australians support same-sex marriage than Americans, and we are ever hopeful that the leaders of both major parties will start opening their hearts and minds to marriage equality, in the way that President Obama and Former Vice President Dick Cheney have”.

For Further information contact Alex Greenwich on 0421 316 335