Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/03/rob-portman-gay-marriage-stance-88903.html#ixzz2NcR9UPO0
Rob Portman backs gay marriage after son comes out
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), once a staunch opponent of gay marriage, says that he now supports same-sex nuptials after his son told him he was gay.
âIâm announcing today a change of heart on an issue that a lot of people feel strongly about that has to do with gay couplesâ opportunity to marry,â Portman said, according to CNN.
Two years ago, his son Will came out to Portman and his wife Jane during Willâs freshman year at Yale University, which eventually led Portman to support same-sex marriage.
Portman said he discussed the issue with members of his churchâs community and former Republican vice president Dick Cheney, whose daughter is gay.
âThe overriding message of love and compassion that I take from the Bible, and certainly the Golden Rule, and the fact that I believe we are all created by our maker, that has all influenced me in terms of my change on this issue,â Portman told reporters during an interview in his office on Thursday, according to The Plain Dealer.
He also said: âIt allowed me to think of this issue from a new perspective, and thatâs of a Dad who loves his son a lot and wants him to have the same opportunities that his brother and sister would have â to have a relationship like Jane and I have had for over 26 years.â
Rob Portman backs gay marriage after son comes out
Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), once a staunch opponent of gay marriage, says that he now supports same-sex nuptials after his son told him he was gay.
âIâm announcing today a change of heart on an issue that a lot of people feel strongly about that has to do with gay couplesâ opportunity to marry,â Portman said, according to CNN.
Two years ago, his son Will came out to Portman and his wife Jane during Willâs freshman year at Yale University, which eventually led Portman to support same-sex marriage.
Portman said he discussed the issue with members of his churchâs community and former Republican vice president Dick Cheney, whose daughter is gay.
âThe overriding message of love and compassion that I take from the Bible, and certainly the Golden Rule, and the fact that I believe we are all created by our maker, that has all influenced me in terms of my change on this issue,â Portman told reporters during an interview in his office on Thursday, according to The Plain Dealer.
He also said: âIt allowed me to think of this issue from a new perspective, and thatâs of a Dad who loves his son a lot and wants him to have the same opportunities that his brother and sister would have â to have a relationship like Jane and I have had for over 26 years.â