Bishop: Obama has no moral compass

WPRI 12

Updated: May 10, 2012 6:31 PM

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Politically motivated. That's how the leader of Rhode Island's Roman Catholics described President Barack Obama's recent professed support of gay marriage.

In a historic move Wednesday, President Obama proclaimed his support for same-sex marriage.

“I think the whole group is driven by the Democratic agenda,” Bishop Thomas Tobin told WPRO’s John DePetro Thursday morning. “We’re getting closer to an election cycle.”

Nesi's Notes: Is RI Senate warming up to same-sex marriage? Related: Americans divided on gay marriage

Tobin, along with GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney, stand firm in their belief that marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman. A belief once held by President Obama just four years ago.

While campaigning for the White House in 2008, Obama told MTV, "I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. I am not in favor of gay marriage."

Since then Obama has described his stance on gay marriage as "evolving."

“It’s a very, very strange evolution,” Tobin said of Obama’s change of heart. “The man has no real foundation, moral compass. This is clearly politically driven,”

He later added: “The fact that he used his daughters as a reason to support same-sex marriage was, to me, disturbing, even a little bit creepy.”

Tobin also voiced disappointment in U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, a Catholic, who shortly after Obama's announcement also came out in support of gay marriage.

“I’m not surprised,” Tobin said. “It’s very predictable but enormously sad.”

Reed's announcement means all four members of Rhode Island's Congressional delegation have voiced support for same-sex marriage.

Copyright 2013 WPRI 12. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.