Obama ‘Disappointed’ On Passage Of North Carolina Anti-Gay Amendment One

President Barack Obama is “disappointed” on the passage of North Carolina’s anti-gay Amendment One, which the campaign previously had urged voters to reject, the Obama for America campaign tonight commented.

“The President has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same sex couples,” Cameron French North Carolina press secretary for Obama for America said, according to a report in the Washington Blade.

“He believes the North Carolina measure singles out and discriminates against committed gay and lesbian couples, which is why he did not support it. President Obama has long believed that gay and lesbian couples deserve the same rights and legal protections as straight couples and is disappointed in the passage of this amendment. On a federal level, he has ended the legal defense of the Defense of Marriage Act and extended key benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.”

The Washington Blade’s Chris Johnson adds:

Pam Spaulding, a lesbian blogger for Pam’s House Blend, expressed disappointment with the president’s failure to speak out against Amendment One publicly in an email to the Washington Blade following the speech.

“This president hasn’t exactly been known to be bold about weighing in on the Amendment; after all, his statement against Amendment One came from a NC spokesperson, not from the man himself,” Spaulding said. “It was no surprise, given the administration’s predilection for succumbing to political homophobia, or fear that being outspoken in speeches or on camera regarding LGBT issues — even on a subject he has a clear position on, such as opposing discriminatory ballot initiatives like this — usually rules the day.”

A campaign mailing dated May 7 makes no mention of Amendment One — even though it came out the day before the measure came before voters — as it called on followers to show support for Obama.

“The primary is a great opportunity to come out, meet other supporters in your area, and make your voice heard,” the mailing states. “And even though we already know that President Obama will be our nominee, it’s important that we let him know we’re standing with him, now and in November.”

A constitutional ballot initiative, Amendment One will now change North Carolina’s constitution by permanently banning same-sex marriage, removing orders of protection from domestic violence victims, and even remove children from their parents’ insurance policies.