Gay Families for Kucinich. The only Democratic candidate to voice support for civil marriage during debate opportunity.

The fifth debate among the eight major 2008 Democratic presidential candidates took place on YouTube and was shown on CNN. People across the country submitted questions via video.

The subject of gay marriage came up twice.

Reverend Reggie Longcrier from North Carolina asked former Senator John Edwards why religion could be cited as a reason to legislate against gay marriage, since religion was once used to defend civil-rights violations, like slavery and segregation.

Edwards responded to Longcrier’s question by saying that he “personally has been on a journey on this issue” and that he “feels enormous conflict about it.”

Marriage equality came up again when a lesbian couple online in Brooklyn, New York asked, “Would you allow us to be married to each other?”

Dennis Kucinich, a long-time supporter of gay marriage, was eloquent in his answer:

“The answer to your question is yes. And let me tell you why. Because if our Constitution really means what it says, that all are created equal, if it really means what it says, that there should be equality of opportunity before the law, then our brothers and sisters who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender should have the same rights accorded to them as anyone else, and that includes the ability to have a civil marriage ceremony. Yes, I support you. And welcome to a better and a new America under a President Kucinich administration.”

The CNN/YouTube debate between the Democratic candidates attracted 2.6 million viewers. The Republican YouTube debate will take place in September.