A newly launched initiative, Greater Than, seeks to reverse the legalization of same-sex marriage across the United States. Critics have condemned the campaign for misrepresenting a quote from former President Barack Obama to imply his support—an assertion that is unequivocally inaccurate.
The campaign’s website prominently features Obama’s image alongside notable opponents of the LGBTQ+ community, including the late Charlie Kirk, known for his far-right views, as well as figures like Allie Beth Stuckey and Seth Dillon, both of whom have vocalized opposition to gay rights.
Misleading interpretations of Obama’s words
A central element presented on the Greater Than website is a quote attributed to Obama from 2010: “We know that children benefit not just from loving mothers and loving fathers, but from strong and loving marriages as well.” This framing suggests that Obama endorses the outdated notion that traditional family structures are superior, thereby undermining the validity of same-sex partnerships.
In truth, this quote was taken out of context during a responsible fatherhood event, rather than a discussion against LGBTQ+ rights, as noted by Right Wing Watch. Historically, Obama has championed same-sex marriage, especially during his 1996 campaign for the Illinois State Senate, where he advocated for the legalization of such unions and committed to opposing any efforts to ban them.
Obama’s evolving stance on same-sex marriage
Throughout his presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012, Obama refined his public position, initially advocating for civil unions while stating that “marriage is between one man and one woman.” This evolution likely aimed to appeal to moderate conservatives and mitigate possible backlash from GOP factions.
Nevertheless, on May 9, 2012, Obama made history in an interview with ABC News by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to express support for same-sex marriage. His appointments of Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court were also pivotal in the 2015 landmark ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Exploiting imagery and narratives
Moreover, the Greater Than campaign employs provocative imagery that has provoked criticism. One striking example is an AI-generated image of a distressed Black teenager, depicted as isolated and troubled, while two white gay men, seemingly indifferent, hold hands in the background. This visual manipulation has incited outrage, particularly as it appears to exploit racial narratives to garner sympathy from Black communities.
Orchestrated primarily by white Christian conservatives, the campaign distorts the words of America’s first Black president and employs fabricated imagery to strengthen their narrative. This tactic raises ethical concerns regarding the treatment of marginalized communities as mere props in their anti-LGBTQ+ agenda.
Rhetoric against LGBTQ+ families
Katy Faust, a key figure behind the Greater Than campaign, has a history of promoting harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ+ individuals. She recently suggested a link between gay marriage and child victimization, echoing long-standing right-wing rhetoric that characterizes same-sex couples as harmful to child welfare.
Faust claims her campaign’s primary message is to protect children, implying that LGBTQ+ individuals pose a threat. Such assertions are steeped in misinformation and ignore extensive research demonstrating that same-sex couples are equally capable of being loving and effective parents. A review conducted by Cornell University found that 75 out of 79 studies concluded that children raised by gay or lesbian parents fare just as well as their peers from heterosexual households.
Mobilizing against discriminatory legislation
The campaign’s website prominently features Obama’s image alongside notable opponents of the LGBTQ+ community, including the late Charlie Kirk, known for his far-right views, as well as figures like Allie Beth Stuckey and Seth Dillon, both of whom have vocalized opposition to gay rights.0
The campaign’s website prominently features Obama’s image alongside notable opponents of the LGBTQ+ community, including the late Charlie Kirk, known for his far-right views, as well as figures like Allie Beth Stuckey and Seth Dillon, both of whom have vocalized opposition to gay rights.1