Reply #7: I agree - there are any number of ways to read Schumer's reported comment

[karynnj]

Equity does not necessarily equate to marriage equity. The other thing is that with many politicians, comments quoted out of interest group meetings are often backtracked on. We don't even know how accurate that quote is.

Even as written, Kerry's comment to Cambridge Paul - is saying the same thing, in fact he said "marriage equality". He starts the answer with "I do support marriage equality". He then spoke of even in 1996, being for equality of any state relationship. He still does mention his person believes though.

http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=13677

Note, that Kerry disagreed with the interpretation that his position was just "that he would not fight against" the policy. At the end of Paul's questioning:
"Towards the end of the video I asked, "So you do support civil marriage rights for same-sex couples?" and Senator Kerry responded "Absolutely.""