Candace Gingrich-Jones, half sister of
Newt Gingrich, has applauded his shift on gay marriage.
On Thursday, Gingrich, who earlier this
year reiterated his support for a federal amendment defining marriage
as a heterosexual union, told The Huffington Post that the
Republican Party needs a reality check on the issue, adding that he
personally was okay with civil, but not religious, marriage for gay
and lesbian couples.
(Related: Newt
Gingrich says it's time to accept the reality of gay marriage.)
Writing at the Human Rights Campaign's
(HRC) blog, Gingrich-Jones
said, “Finally, something on which we can agree.”
“On a personal level, reading the
interview made me proud of my brother,” she wrote. “The time my
wife Rebecca and I have spent with Newt has had an effect and he has
evolved on marriage. I know this was just one interview and I don't
imagine he'll be Googling PFLAG anytime soon, but it is most
definitely progress. And while the rest of America may not get the
spotlight my family does, this same progress is happening everywhere.
It is inspiring to know that the conversations we as LGBT people
have with our families and loved ones, neighbors, co-workers and
classmates, can lead to real change in hearts and minds. It's not an
easy journey, and it sure ain't over, but I hope our family's
experience can give a little hope to those who are on the same path.”
“Thanks for the early Solstice
present, brother. I look forward to your and the GOP's continued
evolution on issues of LGBT equality.”