Rob Portman Backs Gay Marriage After Son Comes Out; Portman Changes Position On Gay Marriage

Ohio Senator Rob Portman was a staunch opponent of gay marriage–until his son came out.

“I’m announcing today a change of heart on an issue that a lot of people feel strongly about that has to do with gay couples’ opportunity to marry,” Portman said, according to CNN.

Two years ago, his son Will came out to Portman and his wife, Jane, during Will’s freshman year at Yale University, which eventually led Portman to support same-sex marriage.

Portman said he discussed the issue with members of his church’s community and former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney, whose daughter is gay.

“The 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,” Portman told reporters during an interview in his office on Thursday, according to The Plain Dealer.

By: Cheston Catalano

Cheston Catalano is a Kentucky-based journalist whose work has been featured in the Chattanooga Times Free Press and the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle. He is a long-time contributor to Liberaland.