By Sunnivie Brydum

Originally published on Advocate.com December 13 2012 8:33 PM ET

Kasim Reed, the Democratic mayor of Atlanta, voiced his support for marriage equality on Tuesday, reports the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Reed referred to same-sex marriage as a "fundamental right" in a statement announcing that he would sign an Atlanta City Council resolution affirming the right of gays and lesbians to marry. The Post-Intelligencer said the city council's passage of the resolution may have "forced [Reed]'s hand."

Reed said he had undergone a personal evolution on his feelings about marriage. "It is well known that I have gone through a good bit of reflection on this issue," said Reed in a statement announcing he would sign the resolution. . "But listening to the stories of so many people that I know and care about has strengthened my belief that marriage is a fundamental right for everyone. Loving couples, regardless of their sexual orientation, should have the right to marry whomever they want."