SF Gay Rights Group Encouraged By Shifting Washington Views On Gay Marriage
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Advocates of same-sex marriage in California are thrilled that two high-ranking members of the Obama administration seem to have changed their positions on gay marriage.
First, Vice President Joe Biden said he's "absolutely comfortable" with gay couples having the same marriage rights as straight ones. Then Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said he actually favors same-sex marriage. The White House has said President Barack Obama agrees with Biden, but continues to remain purposefully vague on any official stance.
John Lewis, Legal Director of Marriage Equality USA, said this is a "big breakthrough".
"I literally feel chills in my body when I think that the President of the United States and the Vice President are coming out in favor of full equal rights for lesbian and gay couples," Lewis said.
Others think this may be some carefully nuanced election-year politics.
KCBS' Doug Sovern Reports:
Brian Brown, head of the National Organization for Marriage, which opposes same-sex unions, said the president is not about to say "I do" when asked if he supports them.
"The president understands that it would be a disaster for the administration," said Brown.
Brown thinks the Obama campaign is just trying to motivate its gay supporters without alienating more conservative voters.
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