Video: LGBT celebrities rally around Obama ahead of TV debate

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Ahead of tonight’s second presidential debate in New York several of America’s biggest LGBT celebrities have come together to endorse Barack Obama’s re-election bid in a new campaign video.

Glee actress Jane Lynch, comedian Wanda Sykes, writer Chaz Bono and Star Trek actors George Takei and Zachary Quinto are all seen delivering messages of gratitude to Mr Obama.

The stars praise the president’s decision to support equal marriage and his administration’s repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the law which banned gay people from being open about their sexuality in the US military.

Mr Obama’s lacklustre performance in the first televised debate two weeks ago has led to him slipping in the opinion polls both nationally and in key battleground states.

Tonight’s clash with Republican challenger Mitt Romney has been described as “critical” by some US pundits for his re-election chances.