Democratic U.S. Sen. Al Franken issued a statement today praising President Barack Obama's support of gay marriage. The announcement was the first by a sitting president.

"I'm proud of what the President did today," said Sen. Franken in the statement. "It marks an important step for loving families across the country. I've been married to my wife Franni for 37 years, and it's the best thing that's ever happened to me. That's why I've long believed that people should be able to enter into loving, committed marriages regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. And I'm glad the President agrees."