REACT: Obama Supports Gay Marriage

In a stunning change of position, President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that he now fully supports the legalization of gay marriage.

"At a certain point I've just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married," Obama said in an interview with ABC News' Robin Roberts on Wednesday.

Obama explained that conversations with his daughters and even college Republicans when he visits universities, make him see that this generation believes people should be treated equally.

"They are much more comfortable with it," he said.

This confession comes a day after the people in North Carolina voted to become the 30th state in support of a constitutional amendment to declare marriage solely between a man and a women—effectively banning it. Around the country, just six states—Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts,, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont—plus the District of Columbia recognize the civil union between same-sex couples. Obama declared however, the decision should still be made at the state level and not the national.

"It is clearly a historical event, to have the President of the United States publically support same-sex marriage. I know hearing his announcement has lifted many hearts that sunk when hearing about North Carolina," said Anthony Ross, director of Outlet Program at the Community Health Awareness Council.

Based in Mountain View, Outlet's the only organization in the Peninsula to  provide comprehensive services to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning youth, including programming in Spanish.

"Unfortunately, the LGBTQ community, including our youth, is still on a roller coaster ride that is harsh and unnecessary, at best," he continued. "When it comes to basic civil rights, this is a no-brainer. I am very happy that the President found the courage to voice his evolution on this issue."

The United States remains one of the few western nations that has not taken a national position on the legalization of gay marriage. Most countries in Europe have either laws for civil unions or gay marriage.

Project Outlet will host it's annual fundraising gala "Out to Eat," this Friday, May 11 at the Computer History Museum. The keynote will be made by Mountain View's own Jose Antonio Vargas, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and openly gay man.

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