Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson on
Monday criticized President Barack Obama and Rick Santorum for their
opposition to gay marriage.
Johnson, who earlier dropped out to the
GOP presidential nominating contest and is currently running as a
Libertarian Party candidate for president, struck out at his
rivals in a statement published on his campaign
website.
“Rick Santorum's position is
unconstitutional,” Johnson wrote. “The Constitution requires
that all citizens be treated equally and makes no reference to gender
in assuring those equal rights. By any fair measure, equal access to
marriage for all Americans is a right – guaranteed by the
Constitution.”
Johnson, a supporter of marriage
equality, criticized Santorum's recent remarks suggesting
that gay marriage would open the door to polygamy.
“Senator Santorum's claim that
legally recognizing gay marriage would be no different than
legalizing polygamy, child molestation or bestiality is repugnant and
insulting to millions of gay Americans.”
Johnson also criticized Obama for
sending out “surrogates to imply that he will support gay marriage
in a second term.”
“I, for one, am tired of seeing
candidates for presidents – including the President himself –
play political games with people's lives and happiness. Perhaps it's
time for a president who leads based upon principle instead of
polls.”