Mixed reaction to Pres. Obama's comments

GREEN BAY - The unprecedented announcement by President Obama is getting mixed reaction not only in the political world, but from people here in Northeast Wisconsin.

"This is a very personal issue to my partner and I. It means a lot to know that my President cares about us and our relationship," said Andrew DeBaker of Green Bay.

DeBaker, former co-chair of the Pride Alive festival, says President Obama's support is a big step forward.

"I mean the fact is Scott and I, my partner, we're going to be able to get married someday very soon, wherever we chose to do so and we just continue to look forward to that day," DeBaker said.

Recent polls suggest the nation is divided on the issue.

A Gallup poll released this week found 50% of Americans are in favor of legal recognition of same-sex marriages.

"It's an unfortunate position for the president to be in. It's absolutely unprecedented," said Wisconsin Family Action President Julaine Appling.

Groups like Wisconsin Family Action feel President Obama's comments were disappointing, but not a surprise.    

Members feel it was ultimately politically driven.

"It's very interesting that this comes on the heels of yet one more state, North Carolina, just yesterday, where the majority of the people said they want marriage in that state to remain between a man and a woman," Appling explained.

Six states currently allow same sex marriages.

Wisconsin is not one of them.

Voters approved an amendment banning same-sex marriage in 2006.

Wisconsin recognizes domestic partnerships, despite having a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

Wisconsin Family Action filed a lawsuit challenging the partnerships.

A judge ruled last summer the law is legal.

The group appealed that decision.

A ruling on the appeal is still pending.