Yesterday, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) endorsed same-sex marriage. Today, Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) has announced that he now supports same-sex marriage. He is the second Republican senator to endorse, after Sen. Rob Portman. Many analysts saw this as a surprise, with many viewing Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) as the next. Sen. Murkowski had previously said that her views were “evolving.” Following is Sen. Kirk’s statement:
“When I climbed the Capitol steps in January, I promised myself that I would return to the Senate with an open mind and greater respect for others.
Same-sex couples should have the right to civil marriage. Our time on this Earth is limited, I know that better than most. Life comes down to who you love and who loves you back– government has no place in the middle.”