During his 2004 bid for U.S. Senate, Obama says he does not support gay marriage because it runs contrary to his religious faith.
While a U.S. Senator, and with an eye on the White House, Obama mentions his parents’ interracial marriage in the context of the same-sex marriage debate. He reiterates his support for civil unions, but says he still does not endorse same-sex marriages.
At a forum hosted by evangelical pastor Rick Warren (who strongly opposes same-sex marriage and will later give the invocation at Obama's presidential inauguration) Obama again emphasizes his belief that marriage is "between a man and a woman." But he also says it should remain in the hands of individual states to decide on, and opposes any federal constitutional amendment to ban it.
Obama signs an executive order extending legal benefits to same-sex partners of federal and foreign affairs employees.
Obama says he has "evolving" thoughts on same-sex marriage and continues to "struggle" with the issue.
Obama officially repeals the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which banned thousands of openly gay men and women from military service.
Obama praises New York's decision to allow same-sex marriage. He claims to have done more than any other president in defending the civil rights of gay and lesbian partners. But he still offers no formal endorsement of same-sex marriage.
Obama continues to advocate for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. The federal law defines marriage as between a man and a woman. It denies same-sex couples the right to file joint federal income tax returns and receive deductions. Obama notes that his administration will not defend the law in federal courts.
On May 9, 2012, Obama says during a TV interview: "At a certain point I've just concluded that for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married."
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