Obama: New York's gay marriage vote 'a good thing'

President Obama simply won't take a position on gay marriage, no matter how many times reporters ask him.

Still, the president let his personal feelings be known with his remarks. He cited "a profound recognition on the part of the American people" that gays "have got to be treated like every other American. I think that principle will win out."

And he said, "I think we're moving in a direction of greater equality, and I think that's a good thing."

Obama did deplore discrimination based on sexual orientation; he bragged about ending the "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gays in the military; he stressed a new policy permitting federal benefits for same-sex partners.

The president pointed out that the administration has also decided against making legal arguments on behalf of the congressional Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Republicans have blasted his action.

And he did praise the New York state Legislature for approving a gay marriage bill last week -- but only in terms of process, not outcome.

"What you saw was the people of New York having a debate, talking through these issues," Obama said. "It was contentious, it was emotional, but ultimately they made a decision to recognize civil marriages."

Obama said "it is important for us to work through these issues, because each community is going to be different and each state's going to be different.

"I think the combination of what states are doing, what the courts are doing, the actions that we're taking administratively all are how the process should work," he said.

Some gay rights advocates have criticized Obama for not outright endorsing gay marriage, saying he is concerned about more conservative states heading into the 2012 elections.

Richard Socarides, who advised President Bill Clinton on gay rights issues, told ABC News that "the president has staked out a cynical political position aimed at not rocking the boat."

"This states' rights argument is a separate but equal argument," he said. "Would the president have thought it right to let the states decide on the issue of interracial marriage, or on whether or not women should be allowed to vote?"

Others gay rights advocates aren't as concerned, citing progress on some of their other issues.

The Oval
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