George W. Bush Avoids Gay Marriage Question [VIDEO]

Former President George W. Bush (and his family) has recently made his rounds with the media, expressing his hopes that his brother, Jeb, will run for office in 2016, talking about the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas and now weighing in on key current issues -- like gay marriage.

In an interview with Charlie Rose for “CBS This Morning,” Bush was asked about his one-time support for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in 2004.

“Yeah, well, I’m not, I’m not weighing in on these issues, as you know, because I’ve made the decision to get off the stage,” Bush answered. “And so I’m off the stage.”

Since Bush left office, the gay marriage debate has escalated, taking center stage where the Supreme Court soon will rule on whether or not California’s Prop 8, the state’s marriage equality ban, and the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional.

The justice heard arguments in late March, with a decision expected in late June.

“The union of a man and a woman is the most enduring human institution, honored and encouraged in all cultures and by every religious faith,” Bush said while in office. “Marriage cannot be severed from its cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening the good influence of society.”

Despite Bush’s past opinions on gay marriage and avoiding Rose’s question, some of his closest friends and family members have openly supported gay marriage -- including his wife, Laura, and Vice President Dick Cheney.

Watch a clip from Bush’s interview below: