GOP Sen. Rob Portman — another heart changed by a personal story



robportman_112th_Congress_2Another heart — and stance on marriage equality — changed! This time, it’s GOP Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio who is making big news today after announcing he has reversed his longtime opposition to the freedom to marry for same-sex couples after his son came out as gay. Portman told reporters in an interview at his office:

It allowed me to think of this issue from a new perspective, and that’s of a Dad who loves his son a lot and wants him to have the same opportunities that his brother and sister would have — to have a relationship like Jane and I have had for over 26 years.

According to Cleveland.com, “the conversation the Portmans had with their son two years ago led to him to evolve on the issue after he consulted clergy members, friends — including former Vice President Dick Cheney, whose daughter is gay — and the Bible.” Portman said:

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 … in a way, this strengthens the institution of marriage.

You can read that full story here and you can read Portman’s op-ed in The Columbus Dispatch right here.

Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey says:

All across the country, people are having personal and poignant conversations about who they are and who they love. They talk about why fairness matters, and of how discrimination hurts their families. These conversations are being held around kitchen tables, in living rooms, on front porches and on Facebook. The transformative nature of people talking about their love and their lives is clear, as we see with Sen. Portman’s change of heart, and in the fact that millions and millions of Americans from all walks of life support the freedom to marry.

Please join us March 25-27 as we rally at the Supreme Court for marriage equality! Details here.