Arizona Congressman Wants You To Know His Position On Same-Sex Marriage Hasn’t Changed Just Because He’s Got A Gay Son

Just a couple of weeks ago,  Republican Senator Rob Portman was getting applauded (and critiqued) for his “evolving views” on same-sex marriage after learning that his son was gay. This coming from a former DOMA supporter is kind of a big deal to put it mildly. But as if responding to that (semi) heartwarming story directly, conservative Congressman Matt Salmon of Arizona says that he has a gay son and he’s not moving two centimeters on the issue. So there.

The Washington Post reports that Matt Salmon, who voted for DOMA and even a ban on gay couples adopting in Washington D.C.,  told his local news outlet that he is retaining his anti-gay marriage views come gay son or high water. Nevertheless, the father maintains that he has nothing but respect for his son:

“My son is by far one of the most important people in my life. I love him more than I can say,” an emotional Salmon told 3TV. “It doesn’t mean that I don’t have respect, it doesn’t mean that I don’t sympathize with some of the issues. It just means I haven’t evolved to that stage.”

“Evolve” is an very curious word choice here, as one might even think that Salmon was working towards getting “to that stage.” But then again, doubling down on TV with a gay son lead-in suggests otherwise.

(photo: Amy Walters / Shutterstock)