Rob Portman: Gay Marriage

Gay Marriage Dept: Gay marriage still divides the party, with the conservative wing strongly opposed. But an increasing number of Republicans, now including Sen. Rob Portman, are reversing course. Many others simply play down the subject, according to Montreal Gazette. With the issue of immigration also shifting rapidly under Republicans' feet, they seem increasingly focused and united on one overarching goal: keeping income taxes from rising. Their solidarity on that issue is thwarting President Barack Obama's efforts to find a compromise approach to deficit spending and expensive social programs and WASHINGTON - A Republican senator's embrace of gay marriage is the latest sign of soul-searching in a party struggling to adapt in a U.S. society whose demographics and views on emotional issues are changing fast. Portman announced Friday that he now supports gay marriage, linking his stand to learning that one of his sons is gay. Portman's reversal makes him the only Republican to openly back gay marriage in the Senate, which now has one openly gay member. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.