Latest update: 18/05/2012 

- Barack Obama - Gay marriage - Republicans (USA) - USA


Obama comes out in support of gay marriage

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Just one day after North Carolina became the 31st state to ban gay marriage, US President Barack Obama has "come out" to say that he supports same-sex unions. He hasn't always been in favour of it but says his opinion has evolved, largely because of his daughters' friendships with children of gay couples. Only six US states currently allow gay marriage, and the issue is one of many that could affect the outcome of presidential elections in November.

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By Kate WILLIAMS / Shona BHATTACHARYYA
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