Republican Rob Portman Now Supports Same-Sex Marriage

Ohio Republican Senator Rob Portman says he now supports same-sex marriage.

Portman says his change of heart began in 2011 when his son, Will, came out to the family.

Portman tells CNN:

"I've come to the conclusion that for me, personally, I think this is something that we should allow people to do, to get married, and to have the joy and stability of marriage that I've had for over 26 years. That I want all of my children to have, including our son, who is gay."

The announcement of Portman’s new stance on the issue of same-sex marriage has caused quite a stir among conservative Republicans meeting this week for their annual Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC.

Many will remember that Portman co-sponsored the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act while serving in the House. DOMA defines marriage as an institution for one man and one woman while barring federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments challenging DOMA next week. Portman has expressed a desire to see the Court invalidate the definition of marriage as a solely heterosexual institution.