video transcript

At a commencement address at the conservative Christian Liberty University, Republicans presidential hopeful Mitt Romney reiterated his opposition to same-sex marriage. (SOUNDBITE) (English) REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MITT ROMNEY SAYING: "Culture - what you believe, what you value, how you live - matters. As fundamental as these principles are, they may become topics of democratic debate, from time-to-time. So it is today with the enduring institution of marriage. Marriage is a relationship between one man and one woman." It was a talking point that resonated with the conservative audience and came just days after President Barack Obama, declared his support for same-sex marriage. On Wednesday Obama said that after years of quote "evolving" he believes same sex couples should be allowed to marry. At a fundraiser Thursday he underscored that message. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING: "We're not turning back the clock. We're not returning to the days when you could be kicked out of the United States military just because of who you are and who you love. We're moving this country forward. We are moving forward to a country where every American is treated with dignity and with respect and here in Washington, you'll have the chance to make your voice heard on the issue of making sure that everybody, regardless of sexual orientation, is treated fairly. You will have a chance to weigh in on this. We are a nation that treats people fairly." A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that more than 39 percent of Americans believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry. The poll found nearly 27 percent opposed marriage or civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters