President Obama’s view on gay marriage changed throughout his political career.   

When running for Illinois senate in 1996, he declared his support for marriage equality, only to change his mind in support of so-called civil unions rather than same-sex marriages. 

Now, Obama has changed his support again to ensure the LGBT vote in the upcoming November elections. 

There is no doubt Obama is politically motivated.

The move will not only win the support of the LGBT community, it will also help him win the votes of young people, who helped put Obama in office, as they tend to support same-sex marriage.  

Although a recent Gallup poll showed the economy as being the dominant concern for voters and same-sex marriage as only marginally important, the poll also showed 71 percent of people ages 18-29 support same-sex marriage.

This is while just 21 percent of those 80 years and older agree. Other polls have confirmed these findings.

Politically, the move will probably be damaging in states with an older majority of voters, such as the swing state of Florida. Additionally, African American and Latino communities tend to have high church attendance and therefore a similar aversion to gay marriage. 

But their support for Obama is much stronger over Romney which could offset the fallout from the president’s declaration. 

Whether he wins the election next November, he would be still remembered for his stance.

Regardless, Obama’s opinion on the subject should be respected because it supports human rights and dignity. Just as the right to privacy should be respected, the LGBT community should be respected too.  

My biggest qualm is the government’s interference in choices that are between two people only. Whether people have the legal permission or not, passing laws directed against LGBT people won’t stop same-sex couples from loving each other.  

In the end, if the government gives the title and protection of marriage to same-sex couples, it won’t harm anyone.