Rick Perry Says He's 'Fine' With Gay Marriage in NY

Rumored Republican presidential candidate and Texas Gov. Rick Perry said he's "fine" with New York's recent passage of gay marriage — because he supports states' rights.

Speaking at an Aspen, Colo. forum Friday, Perry called himself an "unapologetic social conservative" who personally opposes gay marriage, but is also a firm believer in the 10th Amendment, the Associated Press reported.

"Our friends in New York six weeks ago passed a statute that said marriage can be between two people of the same sex. And you know what? That's New York, that's their business, and that's fine with me," Perry said. "That is their call. If you believe in the 10th Amendment, stay out of their business."

CBN News' The Brody Report observed some of the potential problems that could arise from Perry's comments with his evangelical base:

I’m sure the majority of conservative evangelicals are big believers in the 10th amendment but the fundamental question seems to be this: When does a federal constitutional amendment trump the 10th amendment? What issue qualifies? Isn't marriage one of those issues? Perry is basically saying anything goes for each state. His take seems to be if you don’t like gay marriage, don’t move to New York.

In Aspen, the forum moderator pressed Perry on his presidential ambitions, but Perry would only say he's "going through a thoughtful process."

"I'm asking the right questions," he said. "I'm basically asking people, `Do you think there's room in this presidential election for a full-throated, unapologetic fiscal conservative? And if you do think there's room, are you going to help?'"

However, the night was not without a slip. At one point, the crowd laughed when Perry started answering a question: "As the president ... As the governor of the state of Texas ...."