Obama praises shift in LGBT rights, boots heckler from the White House

WASHINGTON, June 25 (UPI) -- In honoring Pride Month for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, President Barack Obama on Wednesday said no one can argue that LGBT rights haven't significantly advanced during his six and a half years in the White House.

Obama made the remarks at a LGBT event at the White House to celebrate the Gay Pride month of June.

"I have told you that I'm so hopeful about what we can accomplish," he said in his opening remarks. "This is a nation whose time has come. And we have got a lot to celebrate."

Obama said that only a decade ago, some politicians ran campaigns that openly opposed gay rights. Today, he suggested, no politician could hope to get elected to public office with that attitude.

"A decade ago, politicians ran against LGBT rights. Today, they're running toward them," he said. "Because they have learned what the rest of the country knows. That marriage equality is about civil rights.

"Together, we have been able to do more to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender Americans than any time in our history," he continued. "One thing is undeniable. There has been this incredible shift in attitudes across the country."

Obama made reference to the substantial legalization of gay marriage across the United States.

"When I became president, same-sex marriage was legal in only two states. Today, it's legal in 37 states and the District of Columbia," he said.

Obama acknowledged that work remains to be done on gay rights, but detailed numerous steps he has taken as president that he believes champion full equality under the law.

"Too many folks are still targeted," Obama said.

Wednesday's speech did not have the smoothest of starts, however. Before Obama could even deliver a couple lines of his address, one attendee in the crowd shouted in protest of the Obama administration's position on deporting illegal immigrants.

Visibly irritated, Obama said he wouldn't tolerate interrupting behavior in his own residence.

"Hey, listen. You're in my house," Obama said, which was met with applause from the crowd. "You are not going to get a good response from me by interrupting me like this."

"Shame on you. You shouldn't be doing this," he added.

When the man kept up with his protesting behavior, Obama gave him a choice -- stay and listen, or be booted from the White House. After about two minutes, the man ultimately removed from the room.