I don't have a dog in this fight, but...

[DanaC]

I have to say, his support for civil unions does him a great deal of credit in my view. It speaks to one of two things. Either he holds anti-gay views but isn't letting that adversely affect his political role. instead going for a compromise position that maintains the primacy of heterosexual marriage, but sanctions an important step forward in terms of alternatives to marriage.

Or, he is relatively moderate for a devout Christian.

Given that some of that stripe are dead against any acceptance of homosexuality at an official level, it was a strong stance to take.