Consider that the political positions they hold may differ from the views they hold in private, both before and after a seeming change of heart. Successful poli

Consider that the political positions they hold may differ from the views they hold in private, both before and after a seeming change of heart. Successful politicians are skilled opportunists. If the politician believes that holding one kind of view plays well with their constituents, they will hold it until the drawbacks begin to outweigh the advantages or the appetite of the electorate shifts. Consider that news of a politician's family member coming out as gay is likely to invite questions about the politician's stance. They now have a choice: embrace the family member and evolve their political views, or reject them and play the hardliner. Fewer of their constituents would be put off by the first course of action than the latter.