Barack Obama believes that being gay or lesbian is not a choice, and that decisions about marriage should be left to the states. He sees homosexuality as no more immoral than heterosexuality, and is OK with exposing 6-year-olds to gay couples. He views the gay rights movement somewhat like the civil rights movement. He supports health benefits for gay civil partners. He opposes gay marriage but supports civil union and gay equality. He would include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws. He is rated 89% by the HRC which indicates a pro-gay-rights stance.

Obama voted NO on a constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)