President Obama speaks to Hispanic news networks about same-sex marriage cases

President Obama spoke with the largest Hispanic television networks this week on the topic of the Supreme Court and marriage equality.

Speaking with Telemundo, the President said, "I think it is time for the justices to examine this issue." In the interview, Obama reiterated his position that the federal government should recognize the unions of couples in states that allow gay marriage:

“I certainly believe that those states that have made a decision to recognize these couples as being married, that the federal government has to respect that decision by the states,” he said. “That's traditionally been how it works. States have defined marriage and the federal government has followed the lead of the states.”

“I think not only is it right and fair but also consistent with our Constitution to recognize same-sex couples,” added Obama, a former professor of constitutional law. “It doesn't mean everybody has to agree from a religious standpoint about this issue. It does mean that it is very important for us to remember that we're a nation where everybody is supposed to be equal before the law.”

On Univision, the President wouldn't predict the SCOTUS decisions, but spoke from his experience as a constitutional law professor:

“I never predict what the court will do,” Obama said. “But I used to teach constitutional law, and there is certainly a strong basis for determining that in this age, given what we now know, given the changes that have been taking place in the states around the country, same-sex couples should be treated fairly and have the same rights benefits, be able to transfer property, all the rights and recognitions that heterosexual couples do.”