Obama Sees Presidency as 'Bully Pulpit' for Full 'LGBT Equality'

In an open letter posted on his presidential campaign Web site Thursday, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) expounds on the "promise of equality for all - a promise that extends to our gay brothers and sisters." He said he'd use the "bully pulpit" of the presidency to press for a number of laws and policy changes backed by the homosexual community. As president, Obama said he would press for passage of a hate crimes law and a "fully inclusive" Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would outlaw workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. He would urges states to treat same-sex couples with full equality when it comes to family and adoption laws. He would repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Full Story