Dent said, “Life is too short to have the force of government stand in the way of two adults whose pursuit of happiness includes marriage… As a Republican, I value equality, personal freedom and a more limited role for government in our lives.  I believe this philosophy should apply to the issue of marriage as well.”

Support for marriage equality has been steadily growing across all demographics and political parties. Congressman Dent joins a growing number of elected and rank-and-file Republicans vocally supporting marriage equality including Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Richard Hanna (R-NY) as well as Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). 

HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy said, “It’s never easy for an elected leader to change a well-established position on an issue, but like millions of Americans Congressman Charlie Dent has opened his mind and heart to support marriage equality for same-sex couples.  We applaud Congressman Dent’s courage and leadership.  By adding his voice to the growing bipartisan consensus for marriage equality, America has taken one more step toward making our founding principles a reality for every American.”

To find out where your Member of Congress stands on marriage equality, check HRC’s Congressional Marriage Positions resource. 

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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