Watch CBSN Live

GOP candidates split on federal marriage amendment







Newt Gingrich said that if the Defense of Marriage Act - which the Obama administration is now declining to defend in court - is overturned, "at that point you have no choice but a constitutional amendment."

Both Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty said they backed a constitutional amendment. So did Rick Santorum, who also suggested that the position didn't constitute overriding states' rights.

"The constitutional amendment includes the states," he said. "Three-quarters of the states have to ratify it. So the states will be involved in this process. We should have one law with respect to marriage. There needs to be consistency as something as foundational as what marriage is."

The candidates were also asked whether they would try to reinstate the "don't ask, don't tell" policy barring gay men and women from serving openly in the military. Cain said that he wouldn't have overturned the policy, but "now that they have changed it, I wouldn't create a distraction trying turn it over as president."

Paul said he would not work to overthrow the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," saying individual rights are paramount. He said behavior should be what matters, "not the person who belongs to which group."

Pawlenty declined to answer - saying he would defer to military commanders - while Romney chafed at the question, saying "we ought to be talking about the economy and jobs." He then declined to answer the question as well, though he said he believed the policy should not have been overturned in the first place.

Gingrich signaled that he opposed overturning the policy, but like Pawlenty said he would defer to military commanders. Bachmann said she supported the policy - but also said she would confer with military commanders.

The only unequivocal answer to reinstate the policy came from Santorum, who is known for his social conservatism.

"The job of the United States military is to protect and defend the people of this country," he said. "It is not for social experimentation. It should be repealed." 

The top five takeaways from the GOP debate

Michele Bachmann announces presidential campaign

Tim Pawlenty calls Obama "declinist," backs off "Obamneycare" line

The candidates were also asked their perspective on the separation of church and state. Watch below:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue