“I commend President Obama for supporting Americans who deserve equal rights, equal respect and equal recognition,” said California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom.  “I am proud that the leader of the most powerful nation in the world took a stand for the fundamental American principle that all people are equal, and deserve equal rights and treatment under the law."

Newsom added, “However, the fight is not over. Whether here in California, or in places like North Carolina where voters to approved a ban on same-sex marriage this week, the march towards justice must continue.”

“It is clear our work is not done. I hope that the President’s support of same-sex marriage leads to legislation action that protects the rights of all our citizens," said Newsom.

In 2004, Lt. Gov. Newsom pushed the issue to the national forefront when he initiated the marriage of same sex couples at City Hall in San Francisco. The marrying of thousands of couples was halted when those opposed to equal rights legally challenged the unions.