Sen. Lindsey Graham on gay marriage: 'Accept the court's ruling'

WASHINGTON, June 29 (UPI) -- Sen. Lindsey Graham said the GOP's official position on same-sex marriage will "hurt" the party's chances in the 2016 presidential election.

The South Carolina Republican and presidential candidate told NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday that gay marriage opponents in Congress are unlikely to pass a constitutional amendment on marriage.

The Republican Party's official platform calls for a "constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman."

"It will hurt us in 2016 because it's a process that's not going to bear fruit," Graham said.

"What I want to do is protect the religious liberties of those who believe that opposing same sex marriage as part of their faith," Graham added. "So no I would not engage in the constitutional amendment process as a party going into 2016. Accept the court's ruling. Fight for the religious liberties of every American."

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that gay marriage is constitutional, paving the way for same-sex couples to marry in all 50 states.

A number of Republican presidential hopefuls denounced the ruling, including Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, both of whom support a constitutional amendment.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said he would oppose any push for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage but reaffirmed his belief in "traditional marriage."

"I believe the Supreme Court should have allowed the states to make this decision," Bush said. "I also believe that we should love our neighbor and respect others, including those making lifetime commitments."

"It is now crucial that as a country we protect religious freedom and the right of conscience and also not discriminate," he added.