Rev. Jesse Jackson Calls on Pastors to Support Obama’s Backing of Gay Marriage

Rev. Jesse Jackson has joined Rev. Al Sharpton in supporting President Obama’s call for support behind gay marriage.   Jackson even went so far as to compare the gay marriage issue to the fight against slavery and laws that kept blacks from marrying whites.

“This is a bold step in the right direction for equal protection under the law for all citizens,” Jackson told the Los Angeles Times.

Jackson then called for black preachers to address the issue with their congregations on Sunday.  He mentioned that gays and lesbians are fighting for the country and teaching America’s children.   He even said that they are leading congregations within many black churches.  He urged Americans to remember that gay marriage isn’t taking rights from anyone else, but rather, opening the door for everyone to have the same opportunities.

“You may choose your mate, but you cannot deny someone else the right to choose their mate,” Jackson said. “The law protects you from being abused. It doesn’t threaten your lifestyle for someone else to have the right to exhibit their lifestyle,” he later added.

Al Sharpton’s statements were in lockstep with those of Rev. Jackson.

“I salute President Obama’s statement today supporting same-sex marriage,” the Rev. Al Sharpton said in a statement that went on to add: “This is not about mine or anyone’s personal or religious views. It is about equal rights for all. We cannot be selective with civil rights. We must support civil rights for everybody or we don’t support them for anyone.”