That's strike two — at least PR-wise — for Gov. Tom Corbett when it comes to fighting against a Montgomery County register of wills who has been issuing same-sex marriage licenses, despite a state law banning the unions. That case, and one challenging the state's Defense of Marriage Act, are being challenged in court.

In an interview with WHP-TV in Harrisburg, Corbett was asked about his legal team's comparison suggesting that same-sex couples marrying was the same as 12-year-olds marrying. Corbett responded in the interview saying: "It was an inappropriate analogy, you know. I think a much better analogy would have been brother and sister, don't you?"

The state's LGBT advocacy organization EqualityPA and organizations across the state erupted at the comparison, and demanded an apology. EqualityPA Executive Director Ted Martin said in a statement “Gov. Corbett’s statements are shocking and hurtful to thousands of gay and lesbian couples who are doing the hard work of building strong families all across the commonwealth."

Corbett's administration released a response. “My words were not intended to offend anyone," Corbett said in the statement. Full statement after the jump.

Corbett's press release states:

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.