Romney Defends Pace's Anti-Gay Remarks: "People Are Entitled to Believe What They Want"

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney continues his quest to receive the blessing of the Christian far-right and declares he fully supports General Peter Pace and his bigoted remarks that characterized gays as "immoral":

"I think people are entitled to believe what they want to believe, but what they say in their official and secular roles should be an expression of tolerance and respect for people regardless of our differences."

The former gay friendly Massachusetts governor also used the opportunity to reiterate his opposition to same-sex marriage and civil unions because "one of the major purposes of marriage is the nurturing and development of children."

Asked then if same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children, Romney qualified his evolving position on adoption by noting, "That's something that is assessed on a state-by-state basis"' and adding "adoption agencies should be able to favor traditional couples,'' particularly in religious-based organizations.

Mitt Romney: For gay rights before he was against it.

Romney Defends General [SF Chronicle]

Background ...

Let the Gay Bashing Begin [R20] For Gay Rights Before He Was Against It [R20] McCain Flip-Flops on Gay Rights [R20] Matthews and Newsweek: Mitt Romney is "Buff" [R20] Romney's Latest: Gays in the Military [R20] One Question for Mitt Romney [R20] Will the Real Mitt Romney Please Stand Up? [R20] Romney Defends Flip-Flopping [R20] Mass. Court Will Hear Romney's Case [R20]