U.S. President Barack Obama delivered a speech to the country’s largest gay rights advocacy group, promising immediate action on his campaign promises that many have thought were shelved, CNN reports.

“For nearly 30 years, you’ve advocated for those without a voice,” Obama said in his speech at the Human Rights Campaign dinner. “Despite the progress we’ve made, there are still laws to change and hearts to open.”

The Human Rights Campaign publicly expressed their gratitude towards Obama’s stand, saying that it was a “historic night when we felt the full embrace and commitment of the president of the United States. It’s simply unprecedented.”

Gay right activists have been progressively losing patience over the U.S. Government’s inaction towards laws concerning gay equal rights, and Obama’s speech was timed to present on the eve of a major gay equal rights rally in Washington.

Obama called for the dissolution of the Pentagon’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which would again allow homosexuals in the U.S. military. Obama also expressed his support for gay couples, saying that same-sex couples should basically have the same rights and opportunities as any other married couple in the country.

“Many of you don’t believe progress is happening. I want to be honest about that because it’s important to be honest among friends,” Obama said. “I said this before, I’ll repeat it again, it’s not important for me to tell you to be patient. … This fight continues now and I’m here with the simple message: I’m here with you in that fight.”

[via CNN]

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