By: Jack MacNamara, Staff Writer

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND — The Incoming conservative Prime Minister Bill English, has shocked his constituents by announcing that he would now supports gay marriage.

The Catholic conservative states “I’m proud to support it,” though he once voted against same-sex marriage back in 2012. Even though he voted against the Legislation at the tie, the measure passed with two-thirds of MPs voting in favor of same-sex marriage.

In his first press conference since being selected Prime Minister, English says now that he would now vote in favor of same-sex marriage now that he has had time to witness the positive impact it has had on LGBT couples.

“I’d probably vote differently now on the gay marriage issue. I don’t think that gay marriage is a threat to anyone else’s marriage. Just seeing the impact it has had for couples and the fact that it doesn’t erode marriage. In some ways, it’s an affirmation of the concept. But again, I don’t intend to use the position to try and influence those issues. They’ve been dealt with by the Parliament and by the processes of law and I accept that.” said English.

While English was praised my many, he did receive backlash by several MPs including Labour finance spokesman Grant Robertson tweeted “English had the opportunity to support same-sex marriage in 2012 but had not taken it.” Tweeted Robertson. “Actions spoke louder than words.” concluded Robertson.

Watch Prime Minister Bill English in his first Press Conference since being selected.

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