Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson
on Thursday announced he backs gay marriage.
Johnson, whose common sense and good
judgment were recently lauded in a GQ
story titled Is Gary Johnson the Sanest Man Running for
President?, previously only backed civil unions for gay and
lesbian couples.
The GOP candidate for president made
his announcement during an online town hall with Jimmy LaSalvia,
co-founder and executive director of gay GOP group GOProud.
“As a believer in individual freedom
and keeping government out of personal lives, I simply cannot find a
legitimate justification for federal laws, such as the Defense of
Marriage Act, which 'define' marriage. That definition should be
left to religions and individuals – not government. Government's
role when it comes to marriage is one of granting benefits and rights
to couples who choose to enter into a marriage 'contract.' As I have
examined this issue, consulted with folks on all sides, and viewed it
through the lens of individual freedom and equal rights, it has
become clear to me that denying those rights and benefits to gay
couples is discrimination, plain and simple,” Johnson
said.
(Related: Gary
Johnson offended by anti-gay marriage pledge.)