Obama calls for equal rights for gays, but no promises on timetable

President Obama isn't doing enough, quickly enough to suit many gay Americans, but today he did issue a proclamation for "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month."

In the proclamation, Obama mentions the legislative priorities, including overturning the Defense of Marriage Act that defines marriage as between one man and one woman and allows states not to recognize gay marriages performed in other states and the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that bars gays from serving openly in the military.

"I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans," Obama says in the proclamation. (Read it here.)

But he does not make any promises on the timing of any action.

"As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected," he adds, calling on Congress and the American people to "work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."

Obama also says he is proud to be the first president to have appointed openly gay candidates to positions that require Senate confirmation in the first 100 days of an administration.

The month is timed to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall protest in New York City that in many ways launched the gay pride movement. Thanks to that movement, Obama says "more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly than never before."