Montana Senator Max Baucus has reversed
course on his opposition to gay marriage. Baucus, who in 1996 voted
for passage of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), has endorsed
marriage equality.
DOMA is the law which forbids federal
agencies from recognizing the legal marriages of gay and lesbian
couples. The law also allows states to decide whether they want to
recognize such unions.
The 70-year-old Baucus, who began his
Senate career in 1978, announced his endorsement after Montana
Democrats at their state convention last weekend endorsed gay
nuptials.
(Related: Texas,
Montana & Pennsylvania Democratic parties support gay marriage.)
Democrats unanimously voted to alter
their party's platform to include the following passage: “We
support repealing Section 7, Article 13 of the Montana Constitution.
All adults should have the right to legally marry another adult of
their choice, regardless of sex or gender. We believe same-sex
spouses should have the same legal benefits, protections and
responsibilities granted to all those who marry.”
Top Democrats were asked their stand on
the issue at the convention, the Independent
Record reported.
Baucus released the following
statement: “I don't believe the federal government should be
getting involved in people's private lives. Adults should be free to
choose who they spend their lives with a committed relationship.”