Sacramento Mayoral Candidate–and former NBA Star–Kevin Johnson is in the same position as many California voters: he personally opposes same-sex marriage, but is against eliminating the right.

Although Johnson is a Democrat, he wrestled with the same conflict on the issue as many Republicans and came to the conclusion that even though he does not support same-sex marriage, he cannot support taking that right away.

According to a statement issued Tuesday by his campaign, Johnson opposes Proposition 8 “because it would write discrimination into the state constitution.”

The press release said Johnson shares views with Sen. Barack Obama and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who oppose a ban on gay marriage in California but personally believe marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Some Republicans don’t understand that some things like freedom and basic rights, are more important than one’s own personal beliefs.  They’re dead-wrong.

Although Johnson is not a Republican, he’s in the same position as many of the one to two million GOPers who will be voting against Prop 8 this November–and his own personal struggle with the conflict should serve as a model for others.