George Bush Sr: I guess you could say I’ve mellowed on same-sex marriage
George H W Bush’s views on same-sex marriage have changed since he was President, according to a new biography.
The former President was previously a strong opponent to same-sex marriage, stating in 1988 in an audio diary that Americans “don’t want homosexual marriages codified”.
However, the New York Times reports that the former president has spoke about his evolution on the issue while speaking to biographer Jon Meacham, whose biography of the leader will be released next week.
He reportedly told Mr Meacham: “Personally, I still believe in traditional marriage,
“But people should be able to do what they want to do, without discrimination. People have a right to be happy. I guess you could say I have mellowed.”
Equal marriage is divisive within the Bush family dynasty.
In 2013, the former President served as a witness at a same-sex wedding of two longstanding friends of the family.
His views are now in stark contrast to those of his younger son, former Florida governor and Republican Presidential candidate Jeb Bush.
Jeb Bush expressed hope that the Supreme Court would rule against same-sex marriage, has told a gay couple that their relationship should not have the same status as ‘marraige’ and has defended notorious homophobic Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis.
George W Bush has also evolved his views on the issue of same-sex marriage after backing a constitutional amendment that would have banned same sex marriage in 2004. Recently he offered to officiate a lesbian wedding and has since remained ‘neutral’ on the issue.
