Obama Backs Gay Marriage

The day after voters in North Carolina approved a constitutional amendment defining marriage as solely between a man and a woman, President Obama told ABC News on Wednesday that he now supports gay marriage.

The president — who still supports states deciding the issue on their own — said his personal views had gone through an "evolution" based on conversations with family and friends and the views of his own daughters.

"They are much more comfortable with it," the president told Robin Roberts in an interview to be shown on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Thursday. Excerpts will air tonight on ABC’s “World News with Diane Sawyer."

Fifth District Elizabeth Esty of Cheshire said in a statement on Wednesday that she commends the President for his support. "This issue is personal to me. My brother had the courage to come out back in the 70s when equality for same-sex couples seemed like a distant dream. I’ll never forget seeing his joy at being in love for the first time in his life," she said.

Last night’s vote (in North Carolina) was a sad and unfortunate step backwards for the state... but it’s also a call for all of us to recommit ourselves to moving this country forward and ensuring marriage equality for everyone and every family," Esty continued. "I know we can do it, and I'm so proud that our President is leading the way.”