Arizona GOP Rep. Salmon says he doesn't support same-sex marriage despite gay son

Rep. Matt Salmon of Arizona. (AP)

PHOENIX – An Arizona congressman whose son is homosexual says he isn't ready to support gay marriage.

Republican Rep. Matt Salmon told KTVK-TV over the weekend that he still believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Salmon says his son is one of the most important people in his life and that he loves him. Although he doesn't consider homosexuality a choice, Salmon says he's not in favor of changing social policy to redefine marriage.

Salmon has a reputation as a staunch social conservative.

Fellow Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio says his stance on gay marriage began to change in 2011 when his college-aged son told him he was gay.

Portman says he now supports gay marriage in states that choose to allow it.