SCRANTON -- Senator Bob Casey now says he supports same sex marriage rights.
The Catholic and native of Scranton released a statement Monday that read, in part:
"I believe elected officials have an abiding obligation to refrain from demonizing and dividing people. Democrats and Republicans should come together and find areas of agreement to do what's best for the country, including lesbian and gay Americans."
"I think it's great, I mean it's 2013, it's time for a change, absolutely," said Matt Ross of Scranton.
"I think that's fair, I think people should be with who they love and not be told who they can and cannot love," said Gary Haffner of Scranton.
Haffner is gay and has been with his partner for 27 years.
He was happy to hear about Casey's support for gay marriage, but not everyone agrees.
Some said they were disappointed with the Democratic senator.
"Their agenda is driving a political tone and I believe that's wrong," said Sandy Howells of Daleville.
The Diocese of Scranton also disagreed.
In a statement, Bishop Joseph Bambera said, "Senator Casey has unfortunately and disappointingly set aside the Catholic belief and teaching that the sacrament of marriage, rooted in the natural law, is a faithful, exclusive, lifelong, loving union of a man and a woman open to the transmission of human life."
Senator Casey was traveling Monday and unavailable for an interview.