This undated photo of Sen. Rob Portman's family shows, from left to right, son Will Portman, wife Jane Portman, Sen. Portman, daughter Sally Portman, and son Jed Portman. Sen. Portman is now supporting gay marriage and says his reversal on the issue began when he learned his son Will is gay.
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Sen. Rob Portman/AP
Republican senator with gay son now backs gay marriage | Reuters: But Republican strategist John Feehery said Portman's announcement could change attitudes in the party.
"I think so. The fact of the matter is Dick Cheney has been out there on this. Ted Olson, Rob Portman. And what's becoming clear is if you know somebody who happens to be gay, you feel much differently about this issue. The fact is we all know somebody who is gay. So I think this is going to be another indication that times are changing on this issue." he said.
In his op-ed piece, Portman wrote of how he has "wrestled" with reconciling his Christian faith with the desire for his son to have the same opportunities as his siblings.
"Ultimately, for me, it came down to the Bible's overarching themes of love and compassion and my belief that we are all children of God," he said.
Keith Cottrell, 40, an IT professional who lives in Cleveland, said he didn't "see much nobility" in Portman's decision because he only lined up behind gay rights after learning of his son's sexuality.
"I mean I'll gladly take his vote but would we applaud someone who constantly voted against women's rights if they changed their mind after having a daughter?" Cottrell said.
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