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Dem Leader Breaks From Kerry & Supports Gay Marriage by 365Gay.com from the Web, March 25, 2004 Washington, D.C.-- House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi Wednesday said she supports same-sex marriage and approves of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's decision to issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples. The remarks put her at odds with her party's presumed presidential nominee John Kerry but were welcomed in San Francisco, her home district. It is the first time she has directly voiced her support for gay marriage and for Newsome. It came during an interview on Fox News. In the past Pelosi has stated her opposition to amending the US Constitution but has evaded questions on gay marriage. Host host Neil Cavuto on her position on same-sex marriage. "Can same sex couples marry?" Cavuto asked. "Yes," Pelosi responded. "So what the mayor of San Francisco is doing, you would approve of it?" Cavuto asked. "Yes," Pelosi said. As Democratic Party leader in the House, Pelosi is the highest ranking politician in the US to endorse gay marriage. Kerry believes marriage should be limited to heterosexual relationships, supports civil unions, opposes amending the US Constitution but supports an amendment to the constitution of his home state, Massachusetts. Pelosi's stand raised concerns among conservative Democrats. As House Minority leader, Pelosi campaigns across the country for Democratic candidates and is a highly visible spokeswoman for the party. "She represents the people who elected her and they expect and appreciate her leadership on this issue," said Geoff Kors Executive Director of Equality California. "The argument that this hurts other candidates...is not valid. Polls have moved dramatically on this issue." But Winnie Stachelberg, political director of the Human Rights Campaign, in Washington, said that while she welcomed Pelosi's support for gay marriage, blocking the proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage remained the top goal for gay activists.
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