More than marriage

The assumption that President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney have the same position about gay marriage is nothing but a gross oversimplification.

Yet recently, many claims have been made saying there is little to no difference between their stances.

While he supports same-sex marriage, it is true Obama believes the issue is best resolved on the state level. Claiming Romney is of the same mind is simply false.

The former Massachusetts governor supports a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

I’m not sure how anyone could mistake that stance for one of states’ rights.

While it might be true neither candidate will have the political desire to push for gay marriage in the upcoming term, there is still a marked difference between their attitudes toward the gay community.

The change in treatment of LGBT individuals by the federal government during the last four years cannot be overstated.

Obama has signed acts designed to prevent hate crimes and extend hospital visitation and decision-making rights to same-sex couples.

He was an essential force for the successful repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

I don’t think it’s much of a gamble to say none of these things would have happened in a Romney administration.

Let’s not forget the sheer force of a presidential statement in support of same-sex marriage.

Even if Obama thinks the crux of the issue sits with the states, I cannot overemphasize the symbolic validation having a sitting president on your side provides.

The words he gave the world on that historic day still burn as a flame of courage in my heart, as I’m sure they do within the hearts of countless others.

Since today is Election Day, let me be abundantly clear.

The idea that Romney and Obama are of the same or similar mind about the issue of gay rights that same-sex marriage is only a single facet of is just plain wrong.

It may be a bit sensationalist to say a vote for Romney is fundamentally an endorsement of anti-gay legislation and cultural homophobia.

I’m sure there are many people who support Romney but don’t support these things.

But please, don’t insult the electorate by boiling down these candidates’ relations with the LGBT community into an identical mush and trying to shove it down their throats .

­— drlreed@indiana.edu