AR AG Dustin McDaniel Supports Gay Marriage, Will Defend State's Ban
- By
- Carlos Santoscoy
- | May 03, 2014
Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Saturday that he supports marriage equality, but will continue to defend the state's ban on gay marriage.
“I want to tell you I do support marriage equality and I do believe Arkansans should have the right to be equal in the eyes of the law,” McDaniel, a Democrat, is quoted as saying by the AP.
The state's 2004 voter-approved constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman is being challenged in court. The judge reviewing the case said this week that he expects to hand down a ruling by Friday, May 9.
(Related: Arkansas gay marriage ruling expected May 9.)
“I'm going to zealously defend our constitution, but at the same time I think it's important to let people know where I stand on the matter,” McDaniel said.
A handful of Democratic state attorneys general have refused to defend similar bans.
While campaigning for his job in 2006, McDaniel voiced support for civil unions.