POLITICS: Charlie Crist Set To Announce Support For Gay Issues

The document provided to RawStory.com includes Charlie Crist's vocal support for gay couples, including hospital visitation, inheritance and adoption rights; opposition to the ban on gays serving in the military; support for anti-discrimination laws and appropriations for HIV and AIDS programs.

"It's great to hear a sitting governor take such a strong stand on equality issues," Nadine Smith, Director of Equality Florida, told RawStory.com by telephone Sunday night. "This is the first time in Florida's history that a sitting governor has taken these public positions on a wide range of LGBT equality issues. It marks a shift in the debate in our state."

"For us, having the governor of Florida articulate so clearly stands that are in support of equality on a wide range of issues is a new day," Smith added. A representative of Crist's campaign could not immediately be reached for comment.

Crist announced his support to repeal DADT earlier this year but has stated over and over again that he believes "marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman."