Florida Senator Marco Rubio, a
Republican, on Wednesday said opponents of gay marriage often face
“intolerance” from those who support it.
In his first comments on the subject of
marriage equality since a judge struck down Florida's marriage ban,
Rubio, who is often mentioned as a possible 2016 GOP presidential
candidate, said he was likely to get attacked for his remarks.
(Related: Florida
judge won't lift gay marriage stay.)
“Even before this speech is over, I
will be attacked as someone who is a hater or a bigot,” Rubio
told a Catholic University of America audience.
Rubio acknowledged the discrimination
gay and lesbian couples face but added that he could not support
marriage equality.
“There is a growing intolerance on
this issue,” he said of proponents, whom he urged to show respect:
“Tolerance is also a two-way street.”