Thousands Descend on Capital for Gay Rights March
The march comes a day after Obama vows to end don't-ask, don't-tell policy
Updated 4:10 PM EDT, Sun, Oct 11, 2009
Thousands of gay rights advocates descended on the nation's capital today in a march aimed at pressuring President Obama to push for same-sex civil rights protection from the federal government.
The National Equality March -- from the White House to the Capitol -- comes a day after the president vowed to end the ban on gays serving openly in the military and promised to give same-sex couples the same civil rights as their straight counterparts during a speech to the largest gay rights group Saturday night.
"I'm here with you in that fight," Obama said.
Many gay rights activists have been critical of the president for not moving quickly on his promises to protect and enhance gay rights. And Rep. Barney Frank, the first openly gay member of Congress, called the march "a waste of time at best" and that he'd rather see supporters lobbying their politicians rather than staging a protest.
Get more: MSNBC
First Published: Oct 11, 2009 10:06 AM EDT on NBC Washington
- 70% thrilled 16
- 22% furious 5
- 4% bored 1
- 4% laughing 1
- 0% sad 0
- 0% intrigued 0
