GenQ

Presidential hopeful Barrack Obama not only expanded his gay efforts this week, but the Senator also made clear his position on gay adoption and other family matters. The statement came in response to a letter by pro-gay Family Equality Council (FEC) about his views on subjects such as gay adoption and partnerships, heavily due to opposition hopeful John McCain’s prohibitive comments last month.

“I’ll be a President that stands up for American families – all of them,” Obama remarked in a written response.

He continued; “The desire to build a life with a loved one, to provide for a family and to have children who will grow and thrive — these are desires that all people share, regardless of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Obama also pledged to work towards the elimination of discrimination against LGBT families if elected.

“We also have to do more to support and strengthen LGBT families. Because equality in relationship, family, and adoption rights is not some abstract principle; it’s about whether millions of LGBT Americans can finally live lives marked by dignity and freedom.”

Senator Obama listed more funding for after-school programmes, the abolition of the federal ban on same-sex marriage, an end to discrimination against LGBT families and "equal treatment in our family and adoption laws" as goals for his administration.

The FEC praised Senator Obama and pointed out that according to the 2000 census, more than 75% of American households "differ from the paradigm of a married, heterosexual couple raising their biological children."

Ms Chrisler also stated in her letter to the candidates:
"Thirty-seven percent of parent households with children in the home are not headed by married, heterosexual couples.
"Since 1940, grandparents have been the primary caregivers (without biological parents in the home) for approximately 2 percent of all children in this country, some 1.6 million children today.
"Forty percent of all children will likely be raised by unmarried partners living together for a portion of their lives.
"Lesbian and gay parents are raising four percent of all adopted children in the United States, as well as three percent of all children in foster care.
"Until grandmothers and grandfathers can easily access the government benefits intended to keep their grandchildren healthy and safe; until lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents can have their relationships universally and unquestionably recognised; until unmarried parents can access benefits without penalty or derision, we will not be doing justice by the millions of American families that do not fit a small minority's notion of what a"real" family is.”