When Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett was on Harrisburg, PA, CBS affiliate WHP, he was asked in a taped segment on this morning’s 5:00 a.m. news about a comment one of his legal staff had made about gay marriage.
“There was a controversial remark made by a member of your legal team.” said anchor Sherry Christian. “Comparing gay marriage to the union of twelve-year-olds saying both are illegal.”
Corbett then confirmed with Christian that he called that remark inappropriate. “It was an inappropriate analogy,” said the Governor. “I think a much better analogy would have been brother and sister, don’t you?”
To which anchor replied, “I don’t know. I’m going to leave the comments to you and your team.”
Later this morning the Governor issued this statement,
“During a recent interview, I was asked to comment on the ruling by Judge Pellegrini that the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts did not have the power to decide the constitutionality of state laws. My words were not intended to offend anyone. If they did, I apologize. I explained that current Pennsylvania statute delineates categories of individuals unable to obtain a marriage license. As an example, I cited siblings as one such category, which is clearly defined in state law. My intent was to provide an example of these categories. The constitutional question is now before a federal court and that is the venue in which same-sex couples wishing to legally marry have standing to intervene and be heard. Same-sex marriage is an important issue and the question of its legal status is one that will be heard and decided upon its merits, with respect and compassion shown to all sides.”