Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican candidate for president, clarified his stance on gay marriage Thursday night after a report surfaced that questioned where he stood on the issue.
A
New York Times story suggested Cruz was softening his anti-gay marriage stance after he attended a reception held for him in a Manhattan apartment owned by "two prominent gay hoteliers."
The Times wrote that Cruz "struck quite a different tone" regarding his views on same-sex marriage, saying he may have altered his view simply to appease an audience.
"During the gathering, according to two people present, Mr. Cruz said he would not love his daughters any differently if one of them was gay," the Times piece reads. "He did not mention his opposition to same-sex marriage, saying only that marriage is an issue that should be left to the states."
Later Thursday,
according to CNN, Cruz released a statement addressing the matter.
"It speaks volumes that The New York Times considers it newsworthy that a Republican who believes marriage is between a man and a woman would meet with people who hold a different view," Cruz said.
Cruz added that by attending the gathering, he proved he was a "big tent Republican" instead of a "panderer."
"We're not always going to agree on everything, and I'm not going to change my fundamental values," Cruz added.
The Times notes that when it reached out to Cruz Thursday, an aide said he was opposed to same-sex marriage. He was also a strong
supporter of the religious freedom law recently passed in Indiana, a law that critics said will lead to discrimination against gays and lesbians.
"So the juxtaposition of Mr. Cruz being the guest of honor at a home owned by two of the most visible gay businessmen in New York City was striking," the Times writes. "Mr. Cruz was on a fundraising tour of New York City, although the dinner was not a fundraiser."
Cruz and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell were among a group of 57 Republicans who recently asked the Supreme Court to uphold state bans on same-sex marriage.