His promises are great. His speeches are even better. But President Barack Obama’s flip-flopping stance on gay rights leaves me doubtful of his promises for equality.

Homosexuals do not have the same rights as other Americans, plain and simple. And that means America is not an entirely free nation. And that, in turn, means everyone – straight as well as gay – should be taking to the streets.

Why? Because when you deprive someone of equal rights based on who they are – race, gender, sexual orientation – you create an unbalanced society, one that is not fair or free.

As a gay rights activist, I’ve followed closely Obama’s stance on gay rights, curious about what changes he will make as president.

As a senator, Obama strongly supported gay marriage. He is quoted in the Windy City Times as saying: “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages.”

“Fight,” for legalizing same-sex marriage? A bold promise to make. Yet, as president, he has made his opposition to gay marriage clear.

For example, his administration voted in favor of the Marriage Defense Act – prohibiting same-sex marriage.

Obama claims his Christianity is no reason for opposing gay marriage. But his actual statements say the opposite: “I try not to have my religious beliefs determine my political views on this issue [gay marriage]. I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman.”

His religion doesn’t have a swaying influence?

Though he does not support gay marriage, Obama does support civil unions for same-sex couples that offer rights and protections similar to those offered by marriage.

This is what really gets me. Since when was America, founded on the principle of freedom, about offering similar rights?

Unlike marriage, civil unions are not recognized by the federal government, so same-sex couples would not receive the same tax breaks and protections heterosexual couples do.

There are over 1,000 benefits and protections available to married couples, including survivor benefits through Social Security, obtaining family health insurance through an employer, hospital visits to a sick spouse. Many of these are exempt from civil unions.

Why are these rights and protections for gays just “similar,” and not equal?

I find it laughable and offensive that Obama would even consider offering a group of people an alternative to equality. No Americans, whatever their color, creed or sexuality, should accept a compromise of similar, almost equal rights.

It undermines everything this country is supposed to stand for.

Obama is also waffling on the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which bans openly gay soldiers from serving.

He’s vowed to repeal the ban. But I ask, Mr. President, have you any plans of action? A timeline? Anything more than just a vow?

This policy perpetuates discrimination, homophobia and deprives our military of potentially outstanding soldiers.

The opposing argument, of course, is that gays in the military would compromise the cohesion of a unit. Well, didn’t the military once say the same thing about blacks and women serving? Yet today we have men and women of all races serving together successfully.

I think a group of men, deprived of female companionship for months at a time, would be more distracted by a woman in their ranks than any gay man. Banning openly gay soldiers boils down to sheer prejudice and homophobia.

Obama gave a speech at a gay rights rally supportive of the cause. But between the pretty buzz words and dramatic pauses, he never mentions gay marriage and never mentions how or when he would repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

Obama clearly is side stepping the issue, taking no real action, and just hoping to keep protestors quiet with reassuring speeches.

With health care reform, and our involvements in the Middle East, Obama has a full plate. And I don’t expect change to occur overnight. But we must demand action, not more oatmeal speeches.

The fight for equality is inherited by our generation – again, straight and gay alike.

This is your America. If we don’t have the same rights – if my rights are just “similar” to yours, if my rights are not equal – America doesn’t stand for equality.

Let’s all help the country stand upright.

- Max Marceau is a senior from Hollywood, Fla., majoring in journalism.