AP source: Dems draft platform backs gay marriage

WASHINGTON – A draft of the Democratic Party's official party platform includes support for gay marriage for the first time.

A person who has seen the platform draft says the party cites support for "marriage equality" and "the movement to secure equal treatment under law for same-sex couples." The person spoke on condition of anonymity and was not authorized to speak publicly ahead of a platform committee meeting in Detroit on Saturday.

The language will be considered by the platform committee but could be amended before the party's convention in Charlotte, N.C., in early September. President Barack Obama will be formally nominated at the convention.

The draft language was first reported by Buzzfeed.

___

Associated Press writer Julie Pace contributed to this report.