American Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) speaks at a press conference for Clergy & Laymen Concerned About Vietnam, held at the Belmont Plaza Hotel, New York City, January 12, 1968. He announced the Poor People's March On Washington at this event. (Photo by John Goodwin/Getty Images)

There has been much discussion and controversy about President Obama’s endorsement of marriage equality. He’s been called the first ‘gay president’ and he’s been assailed by critics (and some former supporters) for his positions on gay rights. Some leaders within the black community have supported the president and others have denounced him. An emotional battle has been surging over the rights of the LGBT community and some have asked the question: “What Would Martin Do?” If the civil rights leader and activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was alive today, how would he feel about gay rights and marriage equality? The Huffington Post has the story:

President Obama’s declaration of support for marriage equality has created an uproar in Christian communities across America, and nowhere more poignantly than in the Black Church where the President is largely admired, but which has traditionally been more socially conservative on issues of sexuality.

Many African American leaders have come out strongly in support of same-sex marriage and the president as a fundamental issue of justice and civil rights. The NAACP made the decision to support marriage equality with the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Roslyn M. Brock, stating: “The mission of the NAACP has always been to ensure the political, social and economic equality of all people. We have and will oppose efforts to codify discrimination into law.”

Likewise, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, said to his church: The question I believe we should pose to our congregations is, “Should all Americans have the same civil rights?”

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