The statement constitutes an act of political bravery on the president's
behalf, as well as a major victory for the gay rights community, which
has been pushing him to declare his support for marriage equality for
several years. With the issue back in the news this week, the pressure
intensified.
Still, the symbolism of Obama's remarks is hard to ignore. In becoming
the first president to publicly support marriage equality, he sets the
bar for its political acceptance. He also has the ability to shape
public opinion further on the matter.
