By Laura DeKoven Waxman
May 14, 2012

In an announcement that has been widely hailed as "historic," President Barack Obama on May 9 declared his personal support for same sex marriage. His declaration, made to ABC News reporter Robin Roberts, came one day after North Carolina voters overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as solely between a man and a woman.

Reaction to the President's statement was immediate and from all quarters. Among the many mayors who issued statements of support for the President were Conference of Mayors President Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, who said, "Only a day after the disheartening passage of Amendment 1 in North Carolina, the supporters of marriage equality now have a reason to celebrate. With his inspired declaration of support for same'sex marriage, President Obama has significantly advanced the cause of human rights and equality in the United States. We look forward to the day when all Americans – gay and straight – are free to follow their hearts and marry the person they love. If we truly believe in family values, we should value all families."

Commenting on behalf of The U.S. Conference of Mayors, CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran said, "The U.S. Conference of Mayors commends President Obama for supporting same sex marriages and we salute our Conference President Villaraigosa for his support of the President. The Conference has a long history of supporting gay rights. At our 2009 Annual Meeting the mayors adopted strong policy on this issue by unanimously approving a resolution calling for marriage equality and full equal rights for such unions, including family and medical leave, tax equity, and insurance and retirement benefits, and opposing the enshrinement of discrimination in the federal or state constitutions."