NASHVILLE (AP) - U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee says his support of civil unions for gay partners developed over his years in office.

The Democratic lawmaker from Nashville told a Washington reporter for The Tennessean (http://tnne.ws/14NAdPK) he sees the issue not as only a civil right, but as an economic matter as well.

Cooper's comments Tuesday came a day after he said in a prepared statement that he favors recognition of same-sex unions, while recognizing that some churches continue to object to gay marriage.

Cooper said the principal of non-discrimination is important. He said as companies consider moving employees to Tennessee, some may want assurances such marriages would be accepted.

He said his own views on the issue have evolved over time.