Generally I’d agree, but the guy being quoted here isn’t the candidate in question. From what we know in the article he isn’t gay himself (though it’s certainly possible), nor does it mention anything about people he personally knows being gay. Given only the context of the article, it sounds like he’s genuinely just standing up for gay folks despite what his party overwhelmingly preaches. If that’s indeed the case I think he deserves credit. And like I said, I hope this leads him toward realizing that his party is a lost cause for genuinely compassionate people and that he should take this opportunity to jump ship.