I do not agree with all of the cases where opponents of Barack Obama have characterized him as “flip flopping” on various issues, and throwing various people or subjects “under the bus.” (And no, I do not subcribe to “This Week in Bus and Driver“) However, it certainly does appear that the Illinois Senator has once again taken up the issue of gay marriage and done a double back flip, pike position with a half twist.

In a letter to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club read Sunday at the group’s annual Pride Breakfast in San Francisco, the Illinois senator said he supports extending “fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex couples under both state and federal law.”

“And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states,” Obama wrote.

Obama had previously said he opposes same-sex marriage but that each state should make its own decision.

I remember quite clearly when Obama raised some eyebrows among his base as he came out during the debates opposing gay marriage but supporting civil unions. While I didn’t agree with him, I didn’t find it a shocking position and one held by many politicians trying to straddle the fence on this divisive issue. Just for the record, I don’t agree with McCain either. Even Bob Barr takes the states’ rights stance on it, while I feel that government at all levels needs to get entirely out of the business of marriage.

But back to Senator Obama, if he wants to be taken seriously he should pick a position and stick to it. This is a definite reversal in such a short period of time that one can not assume that his position has simply “evolved” over time as he ages and considers the matter further. This was an absolute flip-flop on an issue which raises controversy all across the country. I don’t see it as being quite as high on voters’ priority lists as energy policy, the economy or foreign affairs, but it would still be nice to see some conviction and consistency on the part of the candidates seeking the White House.