Obama touts efforts to advance gay rights

NEW YORK (Reuters) – President Barack Obama on Thursday touted his efforts to advance gay rights and promised further progress, but stopped short of declaring his support for legalizing same-sex marriage.

Obama received an enthusiastic reception from gay, lesbian and bisexual supporters at a New York fundraiser, but a few dozen gay rights protesters outside the hotel and a handful of hecklers inside the ballroom where he spoke served as reminders of frustration that he has not done more for their cause.

“I believe that gay couples deserve the same legal rights as any other couple in this country,” Obama said to

Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110624/ts_nm/us_usa_campaign_gays_2