In an historic announcement from the White House, President Obama today announced his support for same-sex marriage.

It’s an issue of critical importance to many local officials, including Rancho Mirage Mayor Scott Hines.

This week, Hines signed the “Mayors for the Freedom to Marry” pledge, a national effort is designed to generate broad support for same-sex marriage.

Palm Springs’ Steve Pougnet is the only other desert mayor to sign on, according to the effort’s website.

Palm Springs council last year also passed a resolution to formally support marriage equality.

However, we’re not expecting Rancho Mirage to follow suit because Hines said the city doesn’t usually weigh in on state and national issues unless “it directly impacts our jurisdictional authority.”

“I signed the Mayor’s Pledge for the Freedom to Marry because I feel strongly as a community leader to lend my voice to an injustice I personally feel strongly about,” Hines, a gay man, told The Desert Sun.

“I did this as an individual, and though I know at least several on the council agree with me on this issue, it is up to them as individuals to determine how they wish to be involved on this matter.”