In a recent interview, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett compared marriage equality with legalizing incest. On Friday, he issued the following statement and video apologizing for his comments. Watch it online here at the KSV.

“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.

In August, Gov. Corbett’s lawyers likened marriage equality to allowing children to marry – for which he also issued a public apology.