Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has apologized for causing offense after comparing gay marriage to incest on morning television.
He said he was merely trying to compare two things that currently are not legal in the Keystone State.
"My words were not intended to offend anyone. If they did, I apologize,"
Corbett wrote on his Facebook page.
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"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," he continued. "My intent was to provide an example of these categories."
Corbett was asked during his regular "Ask the Governor" segment on Harrisburg's CBS-affiliate WHP-TV about a remark made by a member of his legal team comparing gay marriage to sex between children — a comment that Corbett had already said was inappropriate.
"It was an inappropriate analogy, you know," he said. "I think a much better analogy would have been brother and sister, don't you?"
Reporter Sherry Christian was shocked by his answer and told him she would leave the comments to the governor and his team.
Vermont's Gov. Peter Shumlin, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, called Corbett's remark "an absurd comparison of same-sex marriage."
In his apology, Corbett said same-sex marriage "is an important issue" that will be decided up with "respect and compassion shown on both sides." Same-sex marriage is an ongoing battle in Pennsylvania. The state's ban on same-sex marriage is being challenged in state and federal court.
Corbett is considered one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the 2014 round of governors' election. Polls show he trails Democrat U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz,
in public opinion polls.
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