The recent graduates at at Liberty University, the largest Christian college in the world, listened to a commencement speech by presidential hopeful Mitt Romney this morning. Romney talked about faith, family, and service, and also made a few comments about gay marriage.
CSpan reports that Romney told the graduates that “Marriage is the relationship between one man and one women.” The comment drew a standing ovation.
Romney made his point about gay marriage while talking to the students about the importance of culture. Romney said:
“For those who graduate from high school, get a full-time job, and marry before they have their first child, the probability that they will be poor is 2%. But, if those things are absent, 76% will be poor. Culture matters… The best cultural assets are values as basic as personal responsibility, the dignity of hard work, and, above all, the commitments of family. Take those away, or take them for granted, and so many things can go wrong in a life. Keep them strong, and so many things will go right.”
Romney also talked about the current job market and how today’s youth are in a tough spot.
“America needs your talent and your energy, all the more now that our country’s in a tough spot. For you and so many young Americans, our current troubles can be discouraging. You are ready for jobs that were supposed to be ready for you. Millions wait on the day when there are jobs for everyone willing to work, and opportunities to match your hopes and your goals. But don’t lose heart, because that day is coming.”
You can read the whole text of Mitt Romney’s commencement speech at Liberty University here or listen to the audio below.
