Obama backs gay marriage

President Barack Obama has declared unequivocal support for gay marriage, becoming the first US president to endorse the politically explosive idea and injecting a polarising issue into the race for the White House.

Mr Obama’s announcement, after refusing to take a clear stand for months, cheered gay rights groups who have long urged him to support gay marriage. It also opened up a distinct area of disagreement with Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who opposes gay marriage.