Video: US GOP Senate candidate shows support for same-sex marriage
A Republican Senate nominee for the state of Oregon has in a rare move for a GOP candidate expressed her support for same-sex marriage.
Monica Wehby highlighted her support for gay and lesbian couples to marry in a TV ad released by her campaign.
The ad features Ben West, a plaintiff in the lawsuit which earlier this year struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.
In it, accompanied by photos of his wedding day, West says: “Marrying my husband was the happiest day of my life,… I was proud of Oregon and our country. But there’s a lot of work left to do, whether it’s standing up for equality, or for the unemployed, or for the next generation. We need leaders who have the courage to do what’s right, that’s why I support Monica Wehby for Senate.”
Some have noted attacks from incumbent Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, who has painted Wehby as an extreme right-wing candidate, as a possible reason for her explicit support for same-sex marriage, although she is moderate on issues such as abortion.
She has in the past said that abortion and same-sex marriage are “a personal decision”.
Wehby said on Tuesday that she was touched to have the support of West and his husband Paul Rummell.
“Their courage to stand up for their family, and against inequality is inspiring and embodies the spirit I will serve with as Oregon’s next senator,” she said in a statement.
