The Community on Gay Marriage

      President Barack Obama stated on Wednesday that he supports same-sex marriage, raising the political stakes on an issue over which Americans have been evenly split. The statement was delivered a day after the voting occurred to ban same-sex marriage in North Carolina, which Obama claims we was "disappointed" by. He does, however, support the concept of states deciding the issue on their own. His announcement not only inspired but alarmed the students of Ohio University, along with Athens County officials. 

Demonstrators for and against same-sex marriage protest during a rally in San Francisco

   Obama said in an interview with ABC News, "At a certain point, I've concluded that for me, personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married." 

      A Gallup Poll released Tuesday indicated 50% of Americans believe same-sex marriages should be recognized by law as valid, with 48% saying such marriages should not be legal. A recent CNN poll, however, indicated that policies towards gays and lesbians were tied for last in the most-important issues facing the country. Meanwhile. 71% of voters ages 18-29 said they favored legalization of gay marriage in three Gallup Polls taken over the past year. 

        According to Jerry Valentine, a Junior exercise physiology major, "[The bill] is bringing America back to where we shouldn't be. [North Carolina] isn't together as a state and we aren't together as a country. We're still fighting for rights, basically." Other students, such as Shannon Welch, are also behind Obama in the issue. Welch, president of OU's College Democrats, states that she, along with the whole group, is "excited for Obama's support for same-sex marriage" and that it's a "huge step forward."

            Amendment One is opposed by Democrats in the Athens area claims Bill Bias, a former chairman of the Athens County Democratic Party. North Carolina represents people's fear of moving forward and accepting equal rights for all, he said, adding that he believes things will improve once America's younger demographic is able to take office. Ryan Dilworth, president of OU's College Republicans declined to comment to "avoid offending people." The article Obama splits Athens, OU on gay marriage quoted "a similar issue on the Ohio ballot in 2004 banned same-sex marriage in the state. Athens County was the only one of the 88 countries that voted in opposition." (Laudermilt, 1)

    "You know, I can't say I was surprised [by the bill's passing]," said Brianna Adamson, a sophomore and member of the Athens LGBT community. "It kind of disgusts me that people believe some marriage is different than others." Adamson said that she believes Obama tends to have the support of the LGBT community across the nation, especially at OU.