GOP Senator’s ‘Change of Heart’ On Gay Marriage

Ohio Senator Rob Portman addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

In a surprise turnaround, Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio says he now supports same-sex marriage.

“It’s a change of heart from the position of a father,” is how Portman explained his new stance to Ohio reporters, explaining that he began rethinking the issue after his son, Will, told both parents that he was gay.

Portman, a longtime opponent of same-sex marriage is now the only Republican senator in favor of it, though he says he still believes the issue should be decided by voters in each state, not though court rulings in Washington.

The Supreme Court takes up two same-sex marriage cases this month.

• Columbus Dispatch: Rob Portman reverses stance on gay marriage, says son is gay
• Columbus Dispatch: Rob Portman commentary: Gay couples also deserve chance to get married

Guest:

• M.L. Schultze, reporter for WKSU in Ohio.