Rep. Ron Kind, Wisconsin Democrat, Comes Out For Marriage Equality

Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) was one of just a handful of House Democrats who remained undecided on the issue of same-sex marriage. But on Thursday, he announced he had made up his mind and was coming out for marriage equality.

Kind broke the news on Facebook, saying that history has shown that "discrimination never works:"

My 18-year marriage to Tawni has taught me that we’re both stronger because we love and support each other. I support marriage equality because if two people want to make a lifetime commitment to love and care for one another, then the government shouldn't stand in the way.

As the Supreme Court deliberates the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8, I'm reminded that throughout history, discrimination has never worked. I have never voted for discrimination, and I look forward to supporting legislation like the Respect for Marriage Act that will help committed same-sex couples gain the same rights as everyone else.

Kind's announcement comes as a growing number of lawmakers are coming out in favor of same-sex marriage. There are now three Democrats in the Senate -- Mary Landrieu (La.), Joe Manchin (W.Va.) and Mark Pryor (Ark.) -- who have not signed on.

In the House, according to a tally by The Hill, 11 Democrats are on the record opposing same-sex marriage. Nine Democrats -- including Kind -- hadn't taken a definitive position; after Thursday, there are just eight.