Just five years after he supported Florida’s Amendment 2 that redefined marriage as solely between one man and one woman and prohibited the recognition of any other kind of domestic institution, former governor Charlie Crist has flipped on the issue of marriage equality.
The one-time Republican and newly-turned Democrat posted on his Facebook this week that it was “great news” that Delaware passed marriage equality on May 7.
“I most certainly support marriage equality in Florida and look forward to the day it happens here,” he posted.
Crist is expected to run as Democrat for his old position as governor, although he has not made any formal announcement. He lost his bid to become a senator in 2010.
In an interview with CNN in 2010, Crist voiced opposition to marriage equality, saying that “marriage is a sacred institution,” but adding that he believes in “tolerence.
“I’m a live and let live kind of guy,” he said in the interview. “While I feel that way about marriage, I think if partners want to have the opportunity to live together, I don’t have a problem with that. When it comes to the institution of marriage, I believe it’s between a man and a woman. It’s just how I feel.”
Crist hinted at the position in December, after becoming a registered Democrat. He said at the time that he regretted signing a petition in support of Amendment 2.
The Republican Party of Florida blasted Crist after the December comments, sending out an email that said he was trying to have it “both ways.”
“Once again, Charlie Crist is showing he has two faces on any issue,” the GOP said in the December email. “When Charlie Crist wanted Republican (and Independent!) support, he took a strong, pro-family stance against legalizing gay marriage. But today, he flipped yet again.”
Crist now joins a growing list of politicians who have changed their stance on same-sex marriage. President Barack Obama and Florida Senator Bill Nelson have both expressed support for marriage equality.
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