As a husband, father, and an elected public servant, I am truly proud of President Obama for standing shoulder to shoulder with the growing chorus of Americans who believe that couples in loving, committed relationships should not be denied the right to get married.

I know the President did not come to this decision easily; it is the result of years of soul searching and countless conversations with family, friends and everyday Americans, gay and straight.  Like so many other Americans, I believe he has reached the right decision. The time for marriage equality has come.

Many in our community may consider this stance to be at odds with our values. As a practicing Catholic, I am guided by the principle that we must love our neighbor - regardless of sexual orientation, race, or religion, and treat them as we want to be treated. I believe it is those same values that led the President to this decision.

I recognize that others may hold differing views on marriage and what the definition of marriage should be. But even if we disagree on this particular issue, I believe each of our views should be respected and protected.  And we should continue to protect the rights of churches, as we always have, to make determinations about what their sacraments and beliefs are.

We believe in an America where everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, should be treated equally - with the dignity and respect that every human being deserves. And it is that same belief that lies at the root of President Obama's decision to stand with the growing number of Americans who believe the time for marriage equality has come.