Emotional Mayor Reverses Opposition to Gay Marriage
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders abruptly reversed his stance Wednesday on gay marriage, after revealing his own daughter is gay. Sanders says the city will join the fight to legalize gay marriage in the state. A day earlier, he'd vowed to veto the city council's support. We get more on that from KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps.
The mayor cried as he said his opinions have evolved.
Sanders: The concept of a separate but equal institution is not something I can support. I acknowledge that not all members of our community will agree or perhaps even understand my decision today. All I can offer them is I’m trying to do what I believe is right.
Sanders says he used to see civil unions as a fair alternative to gay marriage. But he says his gay friends and family – including daughter Lisa – have forced deep introspection.
Sanders: I couldn’t look any of them in the face and tell them their relationship, their very lives, were any less meaningful than the marriage I share with my wife, Rana.
The mayor’s wife stood silently by his side.
Andrew Phelps, KPBS News.
