Washington– Moments ago on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Education Secretary Arne Duncan gave his unequivocal support to marriage for gay and lesbian couples.  Asked by journalist Mark Halperin if he supported marriage equality, Secretary Duncan replied without hesitation, “"Yes, I do."

Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese released the following statement:

"Arne Duncan joins Joe Biden now in embracing civil marriage for committed gay and lesbian couples. Duncan speaking out is particularly important given his role as the nation’s top education official. In supporting marriage equality, he communicates to all students that they deserve an equal shot at the American dream of love, family and equality. There’s no doubt in my mind that the president shares these values and that’s why it’s time for him to speak out in favor of marriage equality as well.”

To date, Duncan becomes the third member of the Obama Cabinet to embrace marriage equality. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan was the first to express his support last November.