Vice-President Joe Biden says he's "absolutely comfortable" with gay couples who marry getting the same civil rights and liberties as heterosexual couples.

Biden isn't making a full endorsement of gay marriage, which he's opposed. But he tells NBC's "Meet the Press" that marriage should be about being loyal to someone you love, whether that marriage is between a man and a woman, two men or two women.

Biden also is making a distinction between his personal views and President Barack Obama's role as his administration's policymaker.

Obama opposes gay marriage but says his views on the issue are evolving.

Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese says his group is encouraged by Biden's comments and that it's time for Obama to speak out for "full marriage equality" for same-sex couples.