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Obama says gay couples deserve same rights as all, but doesn't endorse gay marriage
By CARL CAMPANILE
Last Updated: 10:42 PM, June 23, 2011
Posted: 7:53 PM, June 23, 2011

Addressing a crowd of gay and lesbian donors in Manhattan, President Obama this evening praised the New York Legislature and Gov. Cuomo for taking on gay marriage and stressed that he believes all couples have the same rights — but stopped short of outright supporting the divisive issue.

Obama — who has previously said his position is "evolving" on the subject — danced around endorsing gay marriage by highlighting the work his administration has done for gay rights in other areas, and stressing his commitment to the rights of all Americans.

"We are all created equal," Obama told the hundreds of supporters at his first - ever fundraisng event targeted to gay donors.

"I believe gay couples deserve the same rights as every other couple in our country."

To impress the room packed with an important Democratic voting block, he pointed out his work repealing the "Don’t Ask Don’t Tell" policy in the military, as well his administration’s position that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional

At one point, a heckler in the crowd at the Sheridan Hotel in midtown shouted, "Say yes to marriage!"

Obama didn’t, but was quick to point out that he sympathized with people’s frustration......................>>>>...................>>>>................Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/l.....57qDQP#ixzz1QByIvZBV