Red Bank Leaders React to Obama's Gay Marriage Support

Red Bank officials have joined in the chorus of praise for President Barack Obama after he became the first president in the country's history to publicly throw his support behind gay marriage.

Obama told ABC News' Robin Roberts that his support follows years of personal relationships and consideration of the rights of those in same-sex relationships.

"I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don't Ask Don't Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage," he said in an interview that will air on Good Morning America Thursday. "At a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.”

Though the revelation is personal and has no impact on legislation from the White House - Obama followed up his comments by saying he believes marriage laws should remain a state's decision - the President's support of gay marriage is seen as a victory for gay rights advocates. The issue has drawn significant national attention leading several states to attempt to restrict marriage, including North Carolina whose voters recently passing an amendment not only banning same-sex marriage, but civil unions, too.

Borough Councilman Ed Zipprich, Red Bank's only openly-gay council member, said he believe's Obama's statement represents a stride towards victory for equal rights. Though the ultimate goal, allowing same-sex couples to wed, hasn't been reached, the President of the United States coming out in favor of gay marriage can't be seen as anything less than a significant move towards marriage equality, he said.

"On the heels of what happened in North Carolina, I'm quite glad that he came out with his message today. He took his time, he listened, he gathered his thoughts and he made an educated decision in favoring marriage equality," Zipprich said. "I am surprised (that he made the statement) because he's running for reelection. I kind of expected the typical political standoff until after the election. I think it was courageous on his part to make it during an election year."

And, Zipprich said, Obama had little to lose as his Republican opponent in the upcoming presidential election, Mitt Romney, signed a bill into law allowing gay marriage in Massachusetts while serving as the state's governor.

In a Facebook post, Mayor Pat Menna said Obama's support of gay marriage was an affirmation that same-sex marriage is a human right and should be legal in the U.S.

"We in Red Bank applaud and congratulate our President for forward clear firm leadership on non discrimination," he wrote. "We congratulate the President for his defense of the basic human rights of all individuals to love and marry the individual of choice."