President Obama says he thinks it is a “good thing” that the United States is moving in the direction of greater equality for homosexuals.

He said the legalization of gay marriage in New York was part of what he called a “profound recognition” on the part of the American people that gays, lesbians and transgender people should be treated like every other American, and said he thinks that idea will “win out.”

He said the process will not be smooth, but said his administration has consistently said that the government should not discriminate against people on the basis of sexual orientation.

He pointed out steps his administration has taken on the issue, including declaring the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal recognition of same-sex marriage, unconstitutional.

Mr. Obama told gay rights supporters in New York last week that same-sex couples deserve the same legal rights “as any other couple in this country,” but the president did not fully endorse same-sex marriage. The president has upset gay rights activists for his support of civil unions over marriage, but recently said his views on the matter are “evolving.”