April 2, 2013 / 12:06 PM

GOP Sen. Mark Kirk backs gay marriage

Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) participates in a reenactment of his swearing-in ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on November 29, 2010. UPI/Kevin Dietsch

Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) participates in a reenactment of his swearing-in ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on November 29, 2010. UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo

In a statement on his Senate website Tuesday, Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk announced his support for gay marriage.

"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," Kirk wrote.

"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 joins Rob Portman, R-Ohio, as the second Republican to back same-sex marriage.

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