Marco Rubio, the Republican senator running for his party's presidential nomination, made a statement on gay people and gay marriage to attempt to bridge the generational gap within his party and perhaps sway independents. The Florida senator said being gay is not a choice and same-sex marriage is up to the states.

Speaking with Bob Schieffer on CBS's "Face the Nation," the Republican candidate expanded on his comments on homosexuality and marriage equality when he was asked whether he believed being gay was a choice, as some of his fellow Republicans believe.

"It's not that I'm against gay marriage. I believe the definition of the institution of marriage should be between one man and one woman," Sen. Rubio told Schieffer. "States have always regulated marriage. And if a state wants to have a different definition, you should petition the state legislature and have a political debate. I don't think courts should be making that decision."

"I don't believe same-sex marriage is a Constitutional right," he added. "I also don't believe that your sexual preferences are a choice for the vast and enormous majority of people. In fact ... I believe that sexual preference is something that people are born with."

Schieffer asked the senator this because in an interview with Jorge Ramos for Fusion last week, Sen. Rubio said he opposed same-sex marriage but would attend a loved ones or friend's wedding if they were gay.

Conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt decided to ask GOP candidate Sen. Ted Cruz as well as Rick Santorum whether or not they would attend a gay wedding, according to Politico.

"That would be something that would be a violation of my faith," Santorum answered.

Sen. Cruz did not give a direct response, saying: I haven't faced that circumstance. I have not had a loved one go to a, have a gay wedding."

However, the number of Americans in favor of marriage equality continues to increase, especially young Americans. According to a Gallup poll from May 2014, 78 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 support same-sex marriage. Overall, 55 percent of Americans support legalizing same-sex marriage.