Obama shifts on same-sex marriage — to what effect?

    Wednesday, in an interview on ABC, Barack Obama became the first sitting American president to come out in support of same-sex marriage. What effect will his shift in opinion have?

    Wednesday, in an interview on ABC, Barack Obama became the first sitting American president to come out in support of same-sex marriage.

    “It is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married,” he said.

    The president has long said that his views on the issue were evolving.

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    What effect will his shift in opinionhave? Share your thoughts below.

    Constitutionally marriage laws are a matter for states to decide. However, equal protection under the law is a federal issue, and these state laws may create inequality across state lines. Do you suppose the U.S. Supreme Court will ever be persuaded to reverse state-level bans on same-sex marriage, such as the one just passed in North Carolina? Or do you think state law should prevail indefinitely?

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