Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a likely presidential candidate in the November 2016 US election, said he would support a constitutional amendment that would bar the Supreme Court from granting marriage equality rights nationwide if the Supreme Court decides to allow gay marriage nationwide.
The Supreme Court will rule this month on the Obergefell v. Hodges same-sex marriage case where it is expected to issue a decision that could grant same-sex couples the right to wed anywhere in the US.
But Walker said on ABC's "This Week" on Sunday that if the Supreme Court makes this ruling, he would support amending the Constitution to protect states that still want to ban same-sex marriage.
"Well, I personally believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. If the court decides that, the only next approach is for those who are supporters of marriage being defined as between one man and one woman is ultimately to consider pursuing a constitutional amendment," Walker said.
Walker, a son of a preacher, said the states should be the ones to decide on the issue.
Ironically, same-sex marriage is legal in Wisconsin. Walker has said that he voted against marriage equality in 2006 but the courts eventually prevailed to enact the law eight years later.
Walker's plan to amend the constitution to protect states that want to bar same-sex marriage was first introduced last April by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who is also running for president.
Walker's comments on the issue immediately drew fire from Democratic National Committee Press Secretary Holly Shulman. "Walker showed us today the same divisive policies that he has supported throughout his career when it comes to the rights of LGBT Americans. We don't expect more, but the American people should know what a Walker presidency would mean for the rights of their family and friends," Shulman said.
Recently, the former Bruce Jenner came out as Caitlyn Jenner. This elicited a comment from President Barack Obama who praised Jenner, saying "It takes courage to share your story."
When asked about Obama's comment, Walker said, "Well, I think it's a personal decision. And to me, I don't know that there's anything more to comment on. It's a personal decision."
Walker, who has yet to formally declare his intention to seek the Republican presidential nomination, said he will announce his political plan by next month.
"Well, the budget will be done hopefully by the end of June. Shortly thereafter, we'll announce our intentions," he said.
