Gay Families Ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange: VIDEO

Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler and representatives from the Family Equality Council rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today to highlight International Family Equality Day, a celebration of the diversity of families, including those led by LGBT parents.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) Follows Obama, Comes Out for Marriage Equality, Repeal of DOMA

Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), has come out in favor of same-sex marriage following President Obama's lead earlier today.

The Providence Journal reports:

"I've been thinking and deliberating about this for many, many months," said Reed. "I believe it's appropriate to support same-sex marriage and as a result to support the Respect for Marriage Act."

Reed thus makes Rhode Island's all-Democratic congressional delegation unanimous in backing the legislation, which would permit the recognition of same-sex marriage nationwide.

Reed had supported the Clinton-era Defense of Marriage Act, which let states decline to recognize the validity of civil marriages between gays in other states.

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1121

PETER TATCHELL: British gay activist Peter Tatchell urges equality in a video for UK group Out4Marriage.

WE ARE YOUNG: A capella group Pentatonix covers the "Fun" hit

PITTSBURGH PIRATES: It gets better.

SIMPSONS GOES GAGA: The first preview of the season finale.

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The Current Front Page of BarackObama.com

Showing off some fierce advocacy. The interview, if you missed it, is HERE.

CNN Invites Hate Group Leader to Weigh in on Obama Marriage Equality Announcement: VIDEO

Family Research Council's Tony Perkins joins Wolf Blitzer to offer a hate group perspective on the Obama announcement. Jeremy Hooper notes: "CNN continues to pretend Tony is a mere pundit who doesn't routinely say beyond the pale things."

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Santorum Condemns Obama's Gay Marriage Endorsement: 'The Charade is Now Over!'

Failed GOP candidate Rick Santorum issued a frothy condemnation of Obama's marriage equality endorsement today:

"The announcement today by President Obama should come as no surprise to the American public.  President Obama has consistently fought against protecting the institution of marriage from radical social engineering at both the state and federal level.  The President recently opposed the North Carolina constitutional amendment and, of course, he refused to defend President Clinton's Defense of Marriage Act before the U.S. Supreme court.  The charade is now over, no doubt an attempt to galvanize his core hard left supporters in advance of the November election.

Thankfully the American public, when it has had an opportunity to consider the real world consequences of such a fundamental change to our society, has consistently voted for maintaining one man one woman marriage — the basic building block of our society.  I will continue to fight to make sure that the cultural elites don't further undermine the institution that gives the best opportunity for healthy, happy children and a just and prosperous society."

P.S. - Check out Right Wing Watch for a round-up of the religious right nut reactions.