Obama called on Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and to "turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists."

"Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born," Obama wrote.

Even though facing ever increasing critisism from the LGBT rights movement for lack of leadership on gay rights issues, Obama claims his administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives.

"At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalise homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans.

"These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security.

"We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States."

Last update: 06-02-2009 16:55