President Obama Includes Same-Sex Parents in Family Day Proclamation

President Barack Obama has proclaimed today Family Day. A minor holiday? Perhaps—but he breaks new ground by his inclusive definition of family.

Our family provides one of the strongest influences on our lives. American families from every walk of life have taught us time and again that children raised in loving, caring homes have the ability to reject negative behaviors and reach their highest potential. Whether children are raised by two parents, a single parent, grandparents, a same-sex couple, or a guardian, families encourage us to do our best and enable us to accomplish great things. Today, our children are confronting issues of drug and alcohol use with astonishing regularity. On Family Day, we honor the dedication of parents, commend the achievements of their children, and celebrate the contributions our Nation’s families have made to combat substance abuse among young people. . . .

On this Family Day, we rededicate ourselves to ensuring that every American family has the chance to build a better, healthier future for themselves and their children.

It is wonderful and significant that he included same-sex families. Let’s just hope he realizes that giving every American family that chance means rededicating himself to federal recognition of same-sex relationships, employment non-discrimination, and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, among other things.

(Thanks, Pam.)