Bernie Sanders Lauds Gay Rights Ruling, Balks at Denying Exemptions

BURLINGTON, Vt. - Vermont Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders lauds the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on gay rights, but he has balked at taking tax exemptions away from organizations that do not recognize same-sex marriage.

During an interview with Jake Tapper on CNN's "State of the Union" program Sunday, Sanders said he strongly supports the court's ruling that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all 50 states.

But when asked about taking tax exemptions from groups - including religious organizations - that do not recognize same-sex marriage, Sanders said he wasn't ready to go that far. He cited religious freedom and said he respects "people who have different points of view."

Sanders' vocal support of gay rights dates back more than two decades.