( Cincinnati ) Senator Rob Portman has announced that he believes gays should be allowed to marry, two years after learning that his son Will was gay. Portman, of Terrace Park, wrote in an opinion piece for the Columbus Dispatch:

“I have come to believe that if two people are prepared to make a lifetime commitment to love and care for each other in good times and in bad, the government shouldn't deny them the opportunity to get married."

Groups that are lobbying to legalize gay marriage in Ohio say that Portman's stance is a "game changer" for their cause.

Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said:

“Like countless dads across the country, Senator Portman has made the basic and courageous choice to put parenting before politics. When it comes to marriage equality, all Americans are on the same journey toward recognizing our common humanity. But while 8 in 10 Americans know a gay or lesbian person, it still takes unique courage to speak out publicly for equality. We are very grateful to Senator Portman for his virtuous stand in support of this civil rights cause.”

Ian James, co-founder of Freedom to Marry Ohio said:

“The honorable U.S. Sen. Portman is the first Republican member of the United States Senate to endorse the freedom to marry, but we believe he will not be the last. We are moved by the love and support U.S. Sen. Portman and his wife are showing their son,” James said. “We appreciate the fact that the Senator wants his son to be able to marry and form a family to find the same happiness and security as his parents. Each day you can feel the momentum building toward ending marriage discrimination in Ohio. We are going to work even harder with our wonderful volunteers across the state to collect the signatures needed to put this amendment before voters.”