Jeb Bush, a likely Republican presidential candidate, called for "respect" of same-sex marriages on Monday as his home state of Florida began allowing gays to wed following a court ruling. Bush, a former governor of Florida, said in a statement that even those like him who oppose same-sex marriage must "respect the rule of law" now that the state's ban on gay marriages has been ruled unconstitutional.
By acknowledging legalized gay marriage in Florida -- though stopping short of outright supporting it -- Bush has struck a more conciliatory tone than many of the other Republicans eyeing presidential runs in 2016.
Cheers echoed throughout a Miami-Dade County courtroom Monday after a Florida judge ruled the county can immediately start issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. (AP) Bush's statement was first reported by The New York Times and shared with The Washington Post by a spokeswoman. It reads in full:
"We live in a democracy, and regardless of our disagreements, we have to respect the rule of law. I hope that we can also show respect for the good people on all sides of the gay and lesbian marriage issue – including couples making lifetime commitments to each other who are seeking greater legal protections and those of us who believe marriage is a sacrament and want to safeguard religious liberty."
Mo Elleithee, communications director for the Democratic National Committee, responded to Bush’s move by highlighting the former governor's continued opposition to same-sex marriages.
“It took Jeb Bush 69 words to say absolutely nothing – 69 words not to say, ‘I support marriage equality,’” Elleithee said in a statement. “Nothing’s changed. At the end of Bush’s statement, he still had the same position: he opposes the right of gay and lesbian Floridians – and all LGBT Americans – to get married and adopt children.”
