Sen. Mark Kirk announced support for same-sex marriage in a statement dated April 2 on his website:
"When I climbed the Capitol steps in January, I promised myself that I would return to the Senate with an open mind and greater respect for others.
Same-sex couples should have the right to civil marriage. Our time on this Earth is limited, I know that better than most. Life comes down to who you love and who loves you back-- government has no place in the middle."
Kirk had previously opposed same-sex marriage. The senator has been recovering after suffering a stroke last year.
