Gay Couple Receives Obama Congratulations on Wedding
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Matt Katz and Aaron Lafrenz of Brooklyn, N.Y., were surprised to receive a letter from President Barack Obama congratulating them on their marriage. (Courtesy Matt Katz)
A gay couple in Brooklyn, N.Y., were surprised to find a letter in their mailbox six months after their wedding congratulating them, but they were more surprised to find it was from the commander in chief.
Matt Katz, 32, and Aaron Lafrenz, 36, were married at the Katz family’s Brooklyn home on July 23, 2011, the day before gay marriage became legal in New York state. The following day, the two went to Brooklyn borough hall and were among the first gay couples to legally be married in the state.
This December, Katz and Lafrenz received a letter in their mailbox with the White House seal indented in the paper and the signature of one Barack Obama on the bottom. Obama has been opposed to gay marriage in the past, though he has recently said his views on the topic are “evolving.”
Katz told ABC News today that a family friend, Arlene Weinstock, had requested the letter on their behalf after hearing that the White House would take requests upon the passage of the New York gay marriage bill. Weinstock, of Long Beach, Calif., assumed that the request had not been fulfilled when the couple hadn’t heard from the White House during the summer, but realized today that she was the cause of the mysterious presidential salutation.
“I was so super confused,” Katz said, noting that he was not a major political activist and had no strong ties to gay rights groups. “But Aunt Arlene called me up and said, ‘This is my fault!’”
The White House confirmed to ABC News that they sent the letter.
The letter reads, in part, “Your union marks the beginning of a lifelong partnership as you share in the joys of your life together. I wish you the very best as you embark on your journey together and hope your bond grows stronger with each passing year.”
Katz said he was happy to receive the letter, but acknowledged the president is probably looking to shore up the gay vote ahead of the 2012 election.
“I do think he’s trying to (pander), but I don’t blame him,” Katz said. “At this point, this is not necessarily a ploy but he can’t for public office reasons be on one side, so maybe this is his way of winking at the gay public in New York and saying I really need your vote now.”
Katz said his father is a longtime supporter of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and when he first received the Obama letter, he asked his father whether that had anything to do with it. His father said no.
The White House, when asked about the letter today, responded that it “regularly sends congratulatory messages from the president to members of the public.”
Richard Socarides, a former adviser to Bill Clinton and current president of Equality Matters, a gay rights group, agreed that it a fairly normal move and did not signal a change in the president’s position on gay marriage rights.
“Those letters usually come out of the staff secretary’s office. They’re very careful, but I’m sure that — I don’t think this is reflective of a policy decision. I think it’s sort of curious, but likely serendipitous,” Socarides said.
Despite telling ABC News in October that the issue of gay marriage was something he “struggled with,” Obama has never come out in support of gay marriage. He has said he supports “strong civil unions.” Obama also led the repeal of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which banned gays from serving openly in the military.
Katz said that despite the letter’s mysterious arrival, the couple was happy to receive it and will likely frame and display the letter in their home.
“For a minute there I really really thought it was a gag gift, but it has the seal, and it’s him and Michelle. We’ll definitely frame it,” he said.
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Posted by: Terry Charles | December 20, 2011, 6:58 pm 6:58 pm
I absolutely cannot believe that Obama sent a congratulatory to a gay couple getting married. He is the worst president ever. What would he do if one of his daughters, oh well,
Posted by: Debthemt | December 20, 2011, 11:52 pm 11:52 pm
Please, we all know what this is really about- coming election season+potential gay support= reelection
Nice try Obama, though I think the gay community is smart enough to see past some insincere letter just so you can stay in office another term. Don’t get me wrong, I applaud the thought but the meaning behind it is lacking. I might believe it and his, “evolving” views on gay marriage a bit more if his term wasn’t on the line…
Posted by: Cynicalstate | December 21, 2011, 12:17 am 12:17 am
Hey Terry, why not marry the rocks in your head instead? Then they’d always be with you. No estate tax to deal with either!
Posted by: Tom Beauchamp-Arnold | December 21, 2011, 1:04 am 1:04 am
What is wrong, , will always be wrong. same sex marriage is no marriage.
Posted by: dissident | December 21, 2011, 9:26 am 9:26 am
God established the marriage covenant. And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’ ? Matthew 19:4–5 Marriage was established between a man and woman for companionship and producing children.
Posted by: Jim | December 21, 2011, 9:52 am 9:52 am
We really need to vote this guy outta office, not only is he sending letters to gay couple but telling the employees of the Government that they cannot say “Merry Christmas” in any way shape or form while at work?? He is going against God now !!
Posted by: Kathy | December 21, 2011, 10:51 am 10:51 am
This is so ridiculous. Men quickly forget God as the giver of power. Obama needs to realise that power belongs to God, and not to men, and He gives power to whomsoever He wills. This President is ignorantly programming himself out of the office. How men forget so soon.
Posted by: Femi | December 21, 2011, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm
What about all the STRAIGHT pedophiles and child molesters???? Is that ok? or will u continue to criticize two people in love?? or condone Straight Males molesting our children….
Posted by: BamBam | December 21, 2011, 5:02 pm 5:02 pm
I don’t know how many times i hear GOD GOD GOD GOD and Matthew 19: 4-5… THAT IS YOUR RELIGION. You are judging and viewing marriage based on religion. That is what’s wrong with the laws and our society. The laws and religion suppose to be separated allowing each and everyone ”freedom of religion. If you don’t want get married than don’t ! but don’t sit here and tell someone can’t because they view or believe a different religion than you. That’s wrong. It’s called equality. Look up marriage in the encyclopedia.. HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH GOD, BIBLE OR RELIGION. It’s speaks culture but since we have the freedom of religion it allows each individuals to bring their own morals and faith (religion) into their marriage. After all, in the dictionary the definition of marriage has been revised. (1) : the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (2) : the state of being united to a person of the same sex in a relationship like that of a traditional marriage Did you noticed the word law ? keep religion out of law! why? because In the United States, freedom of religion is a constitutionally guaranteed right provided in the religion clauses of the First Amendment. And that’s why Obama sent them a congratulations of being able to marry and practice your faith!
Posted by: Sebastian | December 21, 2011, 10:02 pm 10:02 pm
isn’t that what they did before ? they stripped race out of the law! A law is not suppose to be based on color, race, religion or national origin and now sexual orientation. And now it’s going to be between two persons. NOT 2 animals, NOT 1 man and 1 woman… Law goes for everybody! ”EQUALITY”. Same way they stripped away race and color out of the laws before. Sometimes you learn from your mistakes :) Go grab yourself a Starbucks, Best Buy, Jamba Juice, Apple, Kinko’s, Home Depots, etc… application and read the FINE PRINT! ”prohibits employment discrimination based on race, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, color, religion, sex, or national origin”
Some also says ” prohibits employment discrimination based on race or color; religion; national origin or ancestry, physical disability; mental disability or medical condition; marital status; sex or SEXUAL ORIENTATION; age.” …. Gender identity is a new one too that’s been added. EQUALITY BABY!
Posted by: Ryan | December 22, 2011, 2:11 am 2:11 am
ok people!!! enough nonsense now. I just read all of your comments and am shocked and appauled at all of you. I and my legal husband recieved the letter. I cannot believe any of you think Obama actually sent this letter to us. Its pre fabed and totally a gesture. It has no religious or political implications whatsoever. Any of you like dissident and terry who thinks our president is even siding with this issue has clearly not listened to a word obama has said. this country does not allow religion into decisions on the books, but obviously a large percentage of this country thinks this should not be the case. if thats true, why arent YOU demonstrating? why arent YOU coming to get the gays? i charge you all to stand up for what you believe. my husband and i did, you can too. God didnt put obama in office, american citizens and all his best friends did. get it right people. terry your a dumb ass
Posted by: matt katz | December 22, 2011, 4:59 pm 4:59 pm
I am surprised that the letter didn’t come with a campaign contribution envelope!
Posted by: shanepc1 | December 24, 2011, 2:50 pm 2:50 pm
Calm down people. Its actually very simple and no argument to trump. ANY scripture states that a joining of two people (souls) between a MAN and a WOMAN in holy matramony is a promise to one selves and God. So, for those gays who like playing swords yall be happy while you can be. And for the straight community, lets remember to pray for the tainted souls that know not the truth. They have been led astray and need pity for being witless. Good luck explaining your views to God! Pretty sure there was NO gay clause anywhere in any bible.
Posted by: Jack | December 31, 2011, 1:11 am 1:11 am
BTW, stop trying to seperate church and state. Throw all your money away least you have a bloody tongue. Was this nation not founded on the beliefs of God fearing men and is the name God not printed on ALL your money!? Better switch to yen, and pray to a dragon. He wont care how you sword fight. Good luck at the gates gays. My best wishes for you!
Posted by: Jack | December 31, 2011, 1:22 am 1:22 am
Gay pride accept it and move on
Posted by: ipromise12*a4a | February 17, 2012, 4:43 pm 4:43 pm