Gay Rights Center-Stage at Presidential Inauguration

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Credit Photo Phiend / Flickr

President Obama speaking at Monday's inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C. The President spoke firmly in favor of equal rights for all gay and lesbian citizens.

At Monday's public swearing-in ceremony, Pres. Obama gave an impassioned defense for equality for gay and lesbian citizens. Obama began his second term in office by couching it in terms of civil rights.

"[I]f we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well," he said.

Gay rights advocates cheered the unequivocal message. Now the speculation begins as to how this will play out over the next four years.

Two cases concerning gay marriage are pending on the Supreme Court's docket for this session. Those cases will affect the right to marry as well as partner benefits and other legal arrangements.

Today Emily Rooney looked ahead at gay rights and the second term of Pres. Barack Obama.

GUESTS:

• Rev. Irene Monroe, a theologian and writer for Huffington Post and The New England Blade.
• Sue O'Connell, co-publisher of Bay Windows and The South End News.