U.S. Rep. Jolly Announces Support of Gay Marriage

A Florida judge’s decision last week to strike down the state’s gay marriage ban in at least one county has people talking. U.S. Rep. David Jolly is one of them.

The Republican, who represents most of Pinellas in Congress, told The Washington Post Monday that he personally believes marriage is between a man and a woman, but that states shouldn’t define “sanctity” of marriage.

“I believe it is fully appropriate for a state to recognize both traditional marriage as well as same-sex marriage, and therefore I support the recent decision by a Monroe County Circuit Judge,” Jolly wrote in a statement to The Post.

Jolly’s statement comes on the heels of a decision by Circuit Judge Luis Garcia to strike down Florida’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. That move effectively makes gay marriage legal in Monroe County.

While Florida State Attorney Pam Bondi has promised an appeal of Garcia’s decision, others around the state are applauding the move and Jolly’s stand, as well.

“We welcome Rep Jolly’s support and look forward to more members of his party joining him on the right side of history,” Stratton Pollitzer, Equality Florida’s deputy director told The Tampa Tribune. “It is a sign that marriage is coming and politicians need to get right on this issue or pay a political price.”

Jolly is the eighth Republican in Congress to officially come out in favor of gay marriage.

What are your thoughts on this? Should states have the right to define the “sanctity” of marriage? Tell us by commenting below!