Signaling further evolution on the issue of marriage equality for gays and lesbians, President Barack Obama said he could not imagine a circumstance in which a state could legally justify banning same-sex marriage.

In an interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, which aired Wednesday evening on “Nightline,” Obama waded into an issue he initially said should be left to the states.

The selection of Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina as Pope Francis stirred immediate reactions by LGBT advocates, both in the U.S. and Argentina.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- MPs voted 77-44 on Wednesday to advance a bill that would bring marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples in New Zealand.

The third and final vote is expected to come in April, and passage is all but assured.

If the bill is approved, the law will go into effect in August.

MP Louisa Wall, who is gay, is the bill's sponsor. She opened debate on Wednesday by wrapping up the whole issue in one sentence: "It's not about gay marriage, same-sex marriage or straight marriage," Wall said. "It's about equality."

(Editor’s note: This article was originally published at thenation.com and is re-posted here with permission. The U.S. Supreme Court will conduct oral hearings on California's Proposition 8 on March 26 and on the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, on March 28.)