Former Congressman Barney Frank has
applauded Texas Senator Ted Cruz for “evolving” on gay marriage.
Appearing on CNBC's Squawk Box,
Cruz, a Republican, reiterated his opposition to marriage equality
but added that states should be free to legalize such unions.
However, he also criticized recent Supreme Court decisions that paved
the way for marriage equality in 16 states, 3 of which have yet to
comply with appellate court decisions.
(Related: Ted
Cruz on Tim Cook's coming out: That's his “personal choice.”)
“I support the Constitution, letting
each state decide each marriage law consistent with the values of
their citizens,” Cruz
said. “If the citizens of California decide they want to allow
gay marriage, that's a decision for them.”
Frank, who appeared on the program
after Cruz, described Cruz's comments as an “evolution” in how
such unions are viewed in the United States.
“Ted Cruz is one of the most
conservative people in American politics,” said Frank, who is gay.
“He just made a very important statement that you quoted, that you
ran on the air, which he said if a state wants to have same-sex
marriage, that's okay. So even Ted Cruz's position, as I said he's
the leader of the right in America, he represents an evolution in
favor of allowing same-sex marriage.”
“It's even more vindication that the
country is moving when someone on the right takes that position,”
Frank added.