Charlie Crist in MSNBC news programs

On Civil Rights: 2010: Backed gay marriage ban; 2014: supports gay marriage

Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is trying to make amends with the gay community--and the Democratic base-over his record on marriage equality. The Republican-turned-Democrat, who's running for his old job, directly apologized for previously supporting a state ban on same-sex unions. "I'm sorry I did that," Crist said in response to backing Amendment 2 to Florida's Constitution. "It was a mistake. I was wrong. Please forgive me."

After being pressed further, Crist once again addressed his evolving stance on the topic: "I made a mistake. I'm not perfect," he said. "That's the journey I'm on, and I'm still on it."

In 2010, he stood by the ban and said that he believes marriage is "a sacred institution between a man and a woman." Crist said he was inspired by President Obama to finally come out in support of marriage equality. "Everybody deserves to love who they want to. Everybody deserves to marry who they want to. Even the Pope has said, 'Who am I to judge?'"

Source: MSNBC coverage of 2014 Florida gubernatorial race Jan 3, 2014

The above quotations are from Rachel Maddow Show and other MSNBC news shows. Click here for other excerpts from Rachel Maddow Show and other MSNBC news shows. Click here for other excerpts by Charlie Crist. Click here for a profile of Charlie Crist.
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Page last updated: Aug 15, 2024